JONI SMITH
Joni Smith, has been drawing her entire life. At age 65, her home in SE Portland is now overflowing with sketchbooks.
Joni has a dedicated and consistent art practice. She draws for approximately eight hours each day, covering close to a hundred pages per week and often drawing on both sides of each page. She begins each new sketchbook by putting a single mark on every page. Joni draws with a confident, strong hand, making seemingly instantaneous decisions about color as she layers her lines. Over time, each page becomes saturated with vibrant, varied strokes and layers of color. Sometimes the page will tear under the force of her strokes.
Joni likes to send art to her friends, and uses it as a way to stay connected during these times.
AVAILABLE WORK
INSIDE JONI’S SKETCHBOOKS
SELECT EXHIBITIONS & PROJECTS
2023
Lolo Pass, exhibitor. Portland, OR
The Reser Center “a community is a small town”, exhibitor. Portland, OR
The Reser Center, “a community is a small town”, artist lecture. Portland, OR
2022
Grant High School, artist lecture. Portland, OR
Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation, commissioned artist
2021
Lolo Pass, exhibitor. Portland, OR
Building 5, exhibitor. Portland, OR
18 x 20”
Wax pastel and colored pencil on paper