Ian Smith
Although essentially a self-taught artist, latent interest and talent were stirred by taking university level fine arts media courses. Years later this deep rooted desire to depict ways of life through sculpture was truly recognized.
Many motorcycle road trips and other travel encouraged the desire for adventure. In 1978 Ian headed to Canada's high arctic for what was seen as a year of adventure and experience. After 16 years in the arctic communities of Igloolik, Grise Fiord, Broughton Island and Iqaluit, as teacher, school principal and education consultant, this new way of life had shaped his thoughts and creativity. The responsibility of ensuring that his son understood and lived as much of his Inuit culture as possible, generated an even greater focus on arctic life around him.
A return to southern Canada provided Ian with the opportunity to finally take up the challenge, that had so often fleetingly tempted him, and put artistic talents to the test.
Ian continues to pursue the depiction of lifestyles foreign to so many. Over the years, the images of Inuit and activities of northern life have been mentally filed to be expressed in his art and shared with the world. New adventures have been portrayed in Ian's most recent pieces depicting classic motorcycling, and the rugged life on the oil fields.
to the world ... bronze pieces
- Arctic sculptures ... chosen for Tim Hortons top sales awards, 2007, 2008, 2009.
- Prominently displayed in the Permanent Art Collection of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut ... Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada ... including 2 life-size figures soon to be completed
- Private collections in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada
- Private showings ... Calgary, Alberta 2004/05/06
... Rapid City, South Dakota/Sturgis Bike Week 2005 - Webster Galleries ... Calgary, Alberta 2004/05
- Art of Man Gallery ... Fairmont Chateau Lake Lou ise, Lake Louise, Alberta 1999-2004
- Art of Man Gallery ... Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC 1999- present
- Toronto Outdoor Art Show, 1999 ... Jury Show, Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto City Hall
- Canada House ... Banff, Alberta 1999
- Vancouver Outdoor Art Show, 1998 ... Jury Show, Vancouver Art Gallery