If there’s one word that describes AFB Woodland Art Fair, it’s fun. Great food, live music, fabulous fine art, a beer garden, an awesome crowd — it all adds up to a one of the most fun weekends of summer.
Michele Smith is in perfect harmony with the fair, creating fine art sculptures inspired by childlike whimsy, fairy tales, and simple fun. This Indiana-based artist readily owns up to being obsessed with the fantastic, integrating folklore, mythology and imagery with her own experiences, memories and observations. The result is, well, fun.
Handmade ceramic chain pulls by Michele Smith
Michele’s sculptures are anchored in ceramics, but she also works with wood, paint, metal, wire, paper, fabric and found objects. She hand builds her ceramic work, applies various stains and glazes and does multiple kiln fires. You can also expect to see little bits of nostalgia built into her 2-D mixed media pieces through the use of vintage toys, dolls and buttons and found objects.
Here’s more from her artist statement:
My most recent pieces have become somewhat satirical in nature, looking at the dualities of human behavior… how we present to the world one reality which can be in stark contrast to our true nature and what we keep to ourselves. We all have our vices, shortcomings, tragedies, triumphs or accomplishments and so often we think we are alone in those experiences.
The characters I am creating are themselves stories of individual commonalities and are fully aware of their own ridiculousness. Hopefully my curious world will lure the viewer into connecting with our shared existence… and maybe to also laugh at our inherent complexities.
A Pretty Good Fish Story..., by Michele Smith
Michele is packing up her work at Mud Spun Studio and bringing her sense of wonder and her sense of humor to Booth #63, near right field by the beer garden.
Take a look at the Lexington Art League’s website to see what other fun you’ll find at the AFB Art Fair this weekend. You’ve earned it!
