Eva Smith
STATEMENT
I study ecology through art. I take inspiration from the floral, fungal and animal life forms around me, meanwhile researching interesting characteristics, adaptations and symbiotic relationships. These concepts and patterns then continue to shape what I create, resulting in a kind of feedback loop. I aim to immerse myself and the viewer in the unnatural natural environments I create, and ultimately to help inspire in others the sense of connectedness and openness to learning that I feel when observing the natural world around me.
BIO
I’m Eva Smith, a mixed media artist based in Oak Park. I received my Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College, and was profoundly affected by the surrounding landscape while studying visual art and forest ecology in the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. I have explored and enjoyed several trades (art-based preschool teacher, cheesemonger, urban forestry consultant), but making art has always been my main passion. After devoting the last seven years to full-time parenting, I am now focusing on creating art, as well as training to be a certified Master Naturalist in Cook County. More art can be seen at www.evasmith.art , and nature snapshots @lichenized.