Daryl Smith Arts

Creativity + recycling


From fire and forge to hammer and saw..
.

My forefathers were Smiths who pounded and shaped metal into tools and weapons.  More recent ancestors turned from metal to wood and worked as carpenters after settling here in the new world.  Those Smiths transformed rough-hewn lumber into housing, cabinets, furniture, trim, and more as they moved westward from Maryland to Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas.


In my life, I worked as a school teacher, a principal, and later an economic development director.  But throughout those years my woodworking heritage called.  Now, like my grandfather, great-grandfather, and ancestors before, I cut, shape, and create with wood.  I found a way to meld that calling with a love of art and a strong recycling ethic.  Now I create pictures using wood and recycled wood as my canvas and medium. 


I am indebted to those who have helped me along my artistic path.  Lynda Ellis (Lithon, GA) graciously tutored in acrylic painting skills.  Rena Brower's watercolor sessions (Delphi, IN) offered inspiring techniques and approaches.  Michael Fite (GA) assisted with woodwork tutoring.  In addition, coursework through the Museum of Modern Art and courses in woodworking and mixed media approaches with instructors Robert Spiece, Carol Nelson, and Marjie Kemper helped me along my path.  

I also thank Marie Henderson and the Artists Network, the Tippecanoe Arts Federation, Wabash Valley Artists Society, and the Art League of Greater Lafayette.  I appreciate the help and support of each and all.

My artwork has been shown at:
   Harrison College, Lafayette, IN
   Art on the Wabash, Tapawingo Park, West Lafayette, IN
   Ivy Tech Community College, Lafayette, IN
   Southern Heartland Art Gallery, Covington, GA
   The Tippecanoe Arts Federation gallery exhibition, Lafayette, IN.  (2016) 
   Delphi Opera House.  Delphi, IN
   Friends of the Frankfort Community Library Fine Art Exhibition and Sale
   The Tippecanoe County Home and Family Arts Open.  Lafayette, IN
      (First Place Award for Creative Recycling: 2017 & 2019

   The Broadway Art Show. Monticello, IN
   White County Council on Aging. Monticello, IN)   

A proud member of the: 
   Tippecanoe Arts Federation (Lafayette, IN) 
   Wabash Valley Artists Society  (Lafayette, IN)
   Art League of Greater Lafayette (Lafayette, IN) 


My book of poetry, "A Quiet Night in June," is available online through the Kindle store.   (Click here)


Professional associations

"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" has been a mantra I have worked to follow throughout the years, and that is reflected in my wood wall art.  Years of home projects left a virtual pile of wood I deemed just too good to discard.  So, I applied imagination and creativity Two in-laws also willingly shared wood from their home workshops.