Peggy Smith
Peggy Smith, at 89, stands as a pillar of artistic innovation in New Brunswick, renowned for her ability to interlace sound with visual art. Her career highlights a dynamic evolution from depicting the essence of landscapes and people to creating abstract expressions of music and mood with vibrant colors and dynamic forms.
Artistic Evolution
Peggy began her artistic journey focused on the realism of her surroundings—capturing the mood, colors, and events of places and people that resonated with her. Over time, her focus shifted from tangible landscapes to the ethereal qualities of music. “All through my career I have been painting music and musicians, color depicting the sound, while players emerge through the work,” Peggy explains. This unique approach has led her to explore various media, including three-dimensional surfaces with wax and pigment, always allowing the music's mood to guide her creative process.
Creative Challenges
Embracing the elements has been part of Peggy’s artistic process, particularly when painting outdoors in winter. She recalls a valuable piece of advice from a celebrated peer, “Group of Seven painter, A.Y. Jackson, visited us at Mount A, told us to keep the white paint inside next your breast,” she laughs, highlighting her innovative solutions to practical challenges.
A Portfolio of Favourites
Peggy's artistic output includes several cherished pieces, each rich with personal history and emotional depth. Among her favourites is a still life on orange canvas, created during a challenging time in England. “I had no money, and brought orange awning up the hill in the carriage beside the baby. The two older children walked beside me. The still life done on that is serene; the objects all meant something important to me,” she shares. Another beloved work features her son Ben, captured during his winter break from university—a piece now housed at NBM.
The Artist’s Role
For Peggy, the role of an artist extends beyond creation; it's about opening eyes and sometimes, shocking the societal norms. “The role of an artist is to reflect where we are today,” she said. “And as society is always changing, our business is to open the eyes of those around us. This belief drives her to keep evolving her style and subjects to reflect contemporary life and insights.
Unique Techniques
In her commitment to authenticity and quality, Peggy prefers to make her own oil paint, ensuring that each colour not only captures the perfect hue but also maintains its freshness. This hands-on approach to her materials reflects her broader artistic philosophy of deep engagement with every aspect of her work.
Looking Ahead
Despite her considerable success, Peggy remains forward-looking and excited about her future projects. She is currently working on a commissioned official portrait and preparing for exhibitions designed to celebrate her 90th birthday next summer at Gallery78 and the Saint John Art Centre. These upcoming shows promise to highlight her significant contributions to the arts and her influence on local culture.
Engaging with the Community
Though Peggy chooses to work from her secluded studio on the Bay of Fundy, her engagement with the broader community is profound. She offers wisdom for newcomers to the field, emphasizing the importance of genuine creativity over commercial success. “I feel that we all have unique gifts, and they burn to find their way to fruition,” she advises, warning against the dampening effect of prioritizing money over passion.
Peggy Smith’s narrative is not just a record of personal and artistic achievement; it is an inspiring reflection on the role of artists in society and the enduring power of passion and innovation. Her work enriches not only New Brunswick’s cultural tapestry but also serves as a guiding light for future generations of artists.
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