The duality of a person is fascinating. Simply put, the “duality” is the nature in which anything and everything holds opposing truths — all of which are true. We live in harmony and in conflict. Two realities, as things are and how things appear to be. Who are we? What is our purpose? These questions swirl in our minds. I am inspired to capture the duality in everyone. I simplify the complex by finding the perfect line that defines a person’s face. Capturing who a person is with a clean line, who a person becomes with a swirl. Lines that transform a personality. Shape-shifting. The outline of the face from the cheek down to the chin, a person’s smile, how their hair falls, and the soul in their eyes. Less is more. I take away details to emphasize the beauty of each curve. My task as an artist is to find the perfect line and capture it. The portraits featured in the Duality Series are rendered and painted with black pigment sticks. The canvas is painted and dripped with white paint, leaving a raw canvas edge. Each piece is hand-stretched and gallery wrapped on a 2.5 inch frame.
TAD SMITH
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ARTIST
SOULSTICE
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60” X 60”
anything and everything holds opposing truths: all of which are true
we live in harmony and in conflict
TWO MES
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35.75” X 47.75”
BLOOD, MILK, WATER
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13” X 33.5”
MY BIG PLANS
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60” X 60”
who are we? what is our purpose?
simplify the complex
OUTCAST
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28” X 28”
THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
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28” X 28”
ONE EYE TO HEAVEN
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35.75” X 47.75”
SECRETS
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13” X 33.5”
CENTER
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13” X 33.5”
SEDUCTION
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13” X 33.5”
LOVERS
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35.75” X 47.75”
THE STORYTELLER
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60” X 60”
shape-shifting
peace and war, love and hate, up and down, black and white
UNCERTAINTY
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35.75” X 47.75”
HER AND I
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60” X 60”
I’ve had a passion for the fine arts since the first crayon I ate. Born and raised in Iowa, I received a full scholarship to Des Moines Area Community College and completed my Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at Grand View College. In 1994, I started my own successful graphic design business. Specializing in commercial art and graphic design have influenced my fine art portraits, which reflect a bold graphic style. As owner of Studio Tad, my art gallery in Phoenix from 2004-2008 — I served as curator, creator, collaborator, and promoter. I also exhibited in numerous galleries in the Phoenix metro area and in 2008, I curated a show at First Studio for Art Detour. Philanthropy and giving back are part of my purpose. Many events at Studio Tad included a charity. My personal favorite, the Children’s Hospital Exhibit was held every November. My gallery showcased the original art used for the hospital’s Christmas cards which were created by the young patients at the hospital. In 2014-2015, Vision Gallery/Chandler Center for the Arts in Chandler, Arizona commissioned me to create “An Exhibition of Portraits of Chandler Community Leaders.” I illustrated 20 portraits of community leaders for this exhibition. Multiple newspapers, magazines, and a local television station publicized the event. Additional commissions include wine labels at Su Vino Wine Bar of Scottsdale, the DVD and CD cover for the movie/musical Gorilla, and the CD cover for Timothy Thomas’ album Smiles I Will Leave. All images are copyrighted © by Tad Smith. The use of any image from this book is prohibited unless prior written permission from the artist is obtained.
TA D
S M I T H
tad@tadsmith.art
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tadsmith.art
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480-403-1020