Photograph in studio by Carlos Moreno for KCUR
Harold Smith Kansas City, MO Age 61
What keeps you excited in the studio? Its fun and seeing new things come together. Seeing ideas manifest themselves physically.
Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed? It has become more experimental and less traditional.
What role do you think the artist has in today’s society? I think the artist is to society what a thermostat AND thermometer are the society. Art both reflects and sets the temperature of society.
What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist? Know there are many different types of artists and different paths to success. Don’t rush yourself but when you know the kind of artist you want to be and the type of success you wish to experience, the rest becomes easier.
Does age matter in art? Why or why not? Yes in terms of skills. The older we are, hopefully, the more we know. No in terms of inspiration. Toddlers and infants have created some visually appealing work.
What can we look forward to from you next? Short films, live-streaming as performance art, writing, maybe a play or movie.
Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life? Take care you yourself along the way so you can physically enjoy the later part of your life. That is just as important as anything else.
http://www.haroldsmithstudios.com @haroldsmithart
Man of Color, Acrylic on Canvas, 60″ x 48″, 2022, Photograph by E.G. Schempf