Alvin Smith

I'm a visual artist who is primarily drawn to painting works that matter. A lot of my work depicts socially charged images which are important not only to myself, but to the masses. Art is the loudest part of my voice, and I am compelled to use it.

I'm currently using acrylic and water soluble oils to create these storytelling works. I learned through years of trial and error that using these mediums while layering in watercolor techniques works the best for me. As a child of seven or eight years of age, art was the happy place that I regularly retreated to. It was my (Momma) that inspired me from the start. She drew images of powerful women in order to cope with her own circumstances. Whether that was fighting with dad, or difficulties at making ends meet, she would draw. When she finished I would grab what she'd drawn and stare in amazement. I can see her influence on my own style with how the clothes have movement with the characters in my works. While I am not shackled to any particular kind of depiction, I do have a certain love for displaying the urban community experience.

As an example of this experience, I've embarked on a journey through a series of socially charged paintings I call "Underprivileged Oasis." In each installment, the oasis is represented by the neighborhood liquor store. With an honest, and sometimes ugly look at the things that tend to occur there. On display are truths that many know of, but few shine light on. These works beg the question, why have these stores become gathering places for urban communities?