Smoore vs S'more
Here we all are in the middle of Coronageddon, a phrase I am borrowing from my friend David, which presents plenty of alone time and should be an ideal time to paint. Unfortunately, barefooted, I slipped on a wet floor and injured only my painting hand. Really it was my right wrist and I am pretty sure it is just a ligamentous injury, a sprain. And I am not willing to sacrifice good quality social distancing for an xray right now, plus it seems to be getting better. I just don't have the fine motor control that I did pre-injury and it aches after a short time of painting. My untrained left hand does not work that well for painting currently. I was supposed to be a lefty though, and it might be possible to paint left handed with practice. It reminds of what my mother used to say, 'son, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.' I know you have all heard that. But I am going to use some of this time to blog as typing is not too painful. And while I am blogging, I want to thank all those who support my painting endeavors, which is something we painters must do, with purchases, feedback, and interest. Thank you very much!
Something you may not know is that my paintings are called Smoores, yes I am working on my branding here. When most people think of s'mores they imagine chocolate and marshmallow grilled between graham crackers. This blog will provide you with an alternative notion that is not as fattening. Smoores is a term coined by my friend Britt years ago that stuck. It also became my 'artist name.' People who call me Smoore are mainly artists who have known me since the 80's and I like the name. It is how I sign all of my paintings, Smoore. And there is a story that goes with that of course. Right before Coronageddon began in the USA we went on a trip to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico and while we were there we visited friends, Henry Vermillion and Britt Zaist. It was so good to see them and they are enjoying life, living the dream. It was Britt who came up with the nickname as I recall. When they lived in Raleigh we had a getaway weekend in the mountainssometime in the mid 80's. It was a pretty crazy weekend, it was green in the mountains, cloudy, and
rained the entire time. I also recall some wine being consumed and when it was all over I was called Smoore and my paintings were referred to as Smoores. I considered embellishing this but kept it simple. Suffice it to say that whenever the nomenclature is revealed I usually get some kind of witty crack about the infamous cracker, chocolate, marshmallow sweet. This should set the record straight and provide a wider perspective on Smoore.
Have you ever noticed how different all the artist's signatures are? Some of them look like the way I used to sign my prescription pad, just sweeping crazy lines that are illegible. Others are just initials. Some signatures are dated, some are not. And some signatures are done in cadmium red light, you can't miss it, while others blend into the painting and are camouflaged. I was taught to sign in bright, easily seen colors by my mentor but have evolved into the "blend in" presentation as I don't like the signature to interfere with seeing the painting. My signature is printed, plain, blends in usually, and legible. In the forty years I have been painting it has not changed much. I used to date my paintings, but my friend and gallery owner, Nancy, told me that if the date was old the painting appeared picked over. So I stopped dating my paintings. The signature is easily identified. I have had quite a few emails through my website from people who have purchased artwork in one place or another and they want to know if it is mine. The signature makes this pretty easy. And I have reached that point in life where I don't remember all the paintings I have produced.
I confess that the reason for this blog was also stimulated by FASO, the website platform where I exhibit my art. Their current newsletter was on the importance of branding and I was challenged. My works are Smoores. My works are all originals. At one time I created a print but decided this is not the direction that I would take. I value that which is created by the hand of another human being. I value the skill, intuition, intelligence, and beauty that I see in the work. I buy art from friends and artists that I admire. There is nothing wrong
with the print business, but it is not for me. I strive to be original and challenge myself when I start to feel to comfortable with what I am doing. So original is an important part of my branding, Smoore originals. Aside from that I feel free to pursue whatever art interests me, including abstraction.
Coronageddon continues day after day and I hope you are all being safe. This will pass, I am hopeful. Thank you to all the medical people on the frontlines, first responders, truckers who keep the supplies rolling, and grocery store workers, and all the folks that have to brave this covid curse. The Smoores are hunkered down at home and being very safe. Thank you for reading my blog.
