GL Smothers

G.L.’s work is highlighted with simple minimal abstract forms using a primary color palette. This native Chicagoan is slowly building a reputation as an energetic artist who has synthesized his artistic training into a wellspring of contemporary ideas that highlight people involved in everyday events. G.L. is a product of private schools and graduated from Kent State University with a degree in industrial design. He readily admits that his secret passion has been painting. This past time was realized even more as he attended classes at Kent State and found that his studies and interests were not aligned. Upon graduating from college he returned to Chicago, began a career in interior design, and painted in his spare time. In 1994, with encouragement from his mother, he started sharing his work with others.

“My mother has always encouraged me to be prayerful.” G.L. states “In 1994, Joe Clark, a Chicago art dealer, told me not to be afraid of color. I realized that all my training in industrial design and working as a custom furniture designer had actually prepared me to step out on faith. My first show was organized and hosted in my parents’ home.”

G.L. recently moved into a new space. His new space differs from his first not only in size, but also in how he tackles his painting. In his old space he worked in a systematic organized way-most meditative in his approach. His colors and canvases were organized such that they each had their own space. “I like to have a clean space when I start my painting and I like to clean my studio after I complete my work,” G.L. explains.” The new north side space is not as confining as the old. I now find that my ritual of cleaning is not as exacting and this has also carried into my painting.”

“People serve as the basis of my inspiration” G.L. reveals. “I sketch as an exercise and am fascinated by people. I like to entertain and have recently realized that I do not need a lot in my life and have started to de-clutter my home and minimize my life. Art follows life, but my life is following my art.”