Global Arts: Wednesday's Word: Mis Smith

Wednesday's Word: Mis Smith

Posted by Faten Abdallah at 3/05/2008 09:13:00 PM

Writing at the age of 12, drawing at the age of 13, photographing at the age of 17, and graphic designing at the age 21, Mis Smith balances her work with motherhood everyday. "It's not always an artist's life-- it's a mom's life, with art on the side," Mis says humbly. Art is so important in Mis' life that she has encouraged her children "to take pictures, draw, and read." Because her children are encouraged to do those things, Mis says she is living a "momma's life, with art on the side." Mis and her family live in Missouri.

Faten: How did you get started as an artist?

Mis: I really just needed a creative outlet, so I tried a lot of things. Luckily, a lot worked out for me.

Faten: Does your family support your work? Explain.

Mis: Yes, most certainly. First, Derek has bought all my equipment. He suggests shots, critiques and really encourages me to do what I want to do. You can't ask for much more than that really.

Faten: What kind of work do you create or produce?

Mis: I mainly do photography and a lot of playing with Paint Shop Pro, making "siggies" and lots of fun stuff for emails, websites, myspace, etc.

Faten: What do you want people to know about you as an artist?

Mis: others look at pictures, they all see different meanings, and that's one of the things I want people to know that every picture I take, means something to me, personally. When things that makes me love working on my art so much. My art can branch out to anyone, and a piece of art can mean whatever you want it to mean. It doesn't only relate to the artist. Also, I want people to know that ANYONE can be an artist. All you need is ambition, and imagination.

Faten: How do you plan to grow as an artist?

Mis: Well, new equipment would be nice. I want to grow as an artist. I think that I would like to be able to travel more to shoot. I think it would help me in learning new tricks with photo manipulation, learning angles and how to use certain lenses. I'd love to be able to do more wildlife shots.
Faten: What do you hope to accomplish from your work?

Mis: I'm not really sure. I'd like for someone to see one of my shots or read one of my songs, and notice it. It would be really neat. I would like my art to be appreciated and enjoyed.

Faten: How has your product or work been used by others?

Mis: My work has been used by others many times. I allow usage of my work (after written permission) for email stationary, siggies, and other non profit things. I sell prints and have sold calendars with my art on them.

Faten: What kind of advice can you give to a budding or aspiring person in your line of work?

Mis: If you are into photography, take your camera everywhere--even to the grocery store. You never know what will come into your line of sight. If you are a writer, write what means something to you, otherwise, its an empty outlet for your creative juices.

Faten: Any finals words of wisdom before we wrap up the interview?

Mis: Just be creative. If it looks neat or cool to you, it will to others. Always have meaning behind your work. Let it have a story. If a picture is worth a thousand words, it shouldn't be too hard. Don't always be ordinary. Do things that you don't see often. Be experimental.

Mis runs the following websites: