Painted boys

Artist Charles Smith captures more than images

August 1, 2003

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

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by Kaizaad Kotwal

Charles Smith is a Columbus artist who works his magic using photography, traditional coloring implements and computer-based manipulations to create multi-media pieces that are immensely layered.

Norka Futon Gallery curator Amy Shepherd approached Smith to do a show there. She was an artist in the last show Smith was in and was impressed by his work.

Smith was delighted by Shepherd's acknowledgement of his artistry. When she invited him to be a part of this latest show, he was excited to have the chance.

Smith was gearing up for the Norka show when he chatted about his art and his life.

Kaizaad Kotwal: What media do you work in and can you talk a little bit about your process?

Charles Smith: The process starts with my black-and-white photography that I print on normal paper.

From there I use color pens, watercolors and color pencil to alter the original photos. After this I scan the work into my computer and further manipulate the already-manipulated photographs using computer programs to do things you can only do with technology.

What are you drawn to in terms of subject matter? Why? In my art I tell stories or give a sense of feelings about experiences in my life. These stories are about friends, lovers, and myself, the things we all go through in life. Via these images I have connected with people who recognize the meaning of the subject or find their own meanings therein. In turn, I use these images as a journal, to put something to paper, as a way to help confront it and resolve it.

Who is your audience?

I am not sure about that. From the buyers of my work I can tell that they all are diverse in personality, race, age, economic status, and gender. I think its just people who connect to the work and are able to relate to what they see from something in their lives.

How much of your art is influenced by being a gay man? My artwork is about my life and my experiences. Hence, some of my work may have some gay subject matter in it. I have yet to work on images and art that deals with my own experiences about being in relationships and being in love. Who knows what that will look like.

How much of your art is influenced by being a person of color?

I have not covered that in my artwork as of yet. But if I did, it would be more about being and living as a gay person of color within the gay community.

It's always crossing my mind about incorporating these experiences into my art, but for me, thus far, it's been a hard subject to handle in this medium.

Who are your inspirations from the art world?

David Mack and Ashley Wood. I love mixing around all the possibilities in the art world, which is not to limit myself to one medium. I also love telling a story through my art. I guess that's why I love Mack and Wood.

What do you do to pay the bills?

I work in a laboratory and that pays the bills. I use my art to pay for itsself. Each show I do, pays for me to make more artwork to do more shows, and on and on.

Talk a little bit about any training you have in the arts. Formally, I have taken art and photography courses over the years. On a more personal and informal level I'm constantly analyzing my work, reading books, visiting galleries, and studying the work of contemporary artists.

What is your opinion of the Columbus arts scene? The scene here in Columbus is great and has a lot of opportunities for local artists. However, I don't think there is strong support for new artists that are up and coming. Also in my opinion, there isn't a link between the gay community and the visual arts community, but that's more about the gay community than the latter.

Tell us a bit about the show at Norka-who else is in it? In addition to my work, artists Docsznik Darlin and Jason Dobbs will be a part of the show as well. The show's opening is on August 1 and it will run until September 30.

Norka Futon Gallery is located at 780 North High Street in the Short North district of Columbus. An opening reception will be held at 7 pm on August 1. The Gallery has extended hours during Gallery Hop events held on the first Saturday of eachmonth. Please call 614-424-9949 for more information. ✔

Hart 2 by Charles Smith

Wall 7 by Charles Smith