Meagan Smith: Wild Light
Virtual and Organic Themes Weave Together in Meagan Smith’s Exhibit “Wild Light”
Exploring the translation from virtual to physical, artist Meagan Smith’s “Wild Light” embraces both digital and traditional weaving techniques to present fluid pieces that simultaneously express the movement between natural and artificial realms. Patterns that resemble nature’s invisible forces, like wind or water, are created through black and white pixels on a computer and translated to intersecting threads on the loom. Meagan Smith’s “Wild Light” seeks to present heightened physical sensations felt throughout the day in response to personal encounters with organic or artificial landscapes. The interconnectedness of these worlds is mirrored through their weavings and watercolors, posing other questions about the changing perceptions between these different types of spaces.
I am constantly seeking a dynamic energy through the combination of both color and pattern, to help emphasize the wave and undulating movements. Examining these weavings reveals systematic shifts on a macro level while stepping back offers a pulsating sensation reminiscent of natural elements like wind breaking through clouds, or submersion in water. The fusion of the graphic appearance and natural elements creates a harmonious blend that fosters a renewed appreciation for the interconnections between the natural world and technology in the quest for finding solace in these fluxing organic mystical elements.” – Meagan Smith
About the Artist Meagan Smith:
Meagan Smith (she/they) is an interdisciplinary fiber artist currently creating in Cleveland, Ohio. Smith holds a BFA in Painting from The University of Akron and MFA in Textiles from Kent State University. Smith was recently showcased in a two-person show at OSU, and exhibited a solo show at Capacity Contemporary in Louisville, KY. Their artist residencies include Studio Kura in Japan, KH Messen in Norway, and Ós Textile Residency in Iceland. Featured in both CAN Journal and Canvas Cleveland, Smith has also received several arts and travel awards including the ARPA Cuyahoga Art & Culture Grant. Their work is part of the permanent collection at Summa Behavioral Health Center and has been commissioned for private collections.