David L. Smith

d. July 20, 2019

Artist’s Bio

David L. Smith began his professional woodworking career while attending Boston University’s Program in Artisanry in the early 80’s. He earned a B.F.A. from this program in 1987. He married a year later and began his family life with his wife of now 28 years, Colette, a ceramic artist. He has two children: Mondrian now of Maine and Tucker now of New Hampshire. In 1991 they relocated to Fitchburg so that David could attend Fitchburg State College to earn a teaching certificate in Technology Education. Shortly thereafter David bought a local furniture restoration business which he has been managing for the past 23 years. He has been exhibiting his furniture and sculptures regionally as well as nationally in galleries and museums since the 80’s, has won awards, and is published in Fine Woodworking Design Book Four. With the development of glass etching and painting techniques, his focus has evolved away from the functional and towards the decorative and conceptual.

Artist’s Statement

Gauguin said “Art is either plagiarism or revolution.” This most recent body of my work embraces plagiarism with no regrets or apologies. I have taken quotes; titles; images; and clichés that are in themselves unoriginal and repurposed them. Although this work may not be revolution, my hope is that through juxtaposition; irony; and incongruity, I have created some unique compositions that are surreal, thought provoking, and humorous.