Rosemary Carmen Smith grew up on the coast of Northern California. As the daughter of artists, creativity was always present in her life. She has pursued a hyper focus on collage with meticulous detail, minute cuts and intricate weaving. We loved discovering her art and feeling the expressive pops of fresh, modernism and California-centric aesthetics.
8 Questions
Describe the moment you realized art fed your soul.
I grew up in a community and household where art was part of daily life. I felt its power regularly in small, everyday experiences, not just one particular moment. Whether watching my parents create their art, making my own pieces, or visiting galleries and museums, I realized early on the importance of art. It’s a way to communicate without words, explore ideas, and express oneself.
What themes do you pursue in your art?
I explore themes of duality, contrast, change, and creation. By combining found imagery of natural landscapes with abstract shapes of my own making, I create pieces that are both figurative and abstract, real and unreal, mine and not mine. I like exploring these dichotomies and trying to find beauty in the opposing forces.
Tell us about what influences the direction for your craft.
I’m influenced by anything bold, colorful, high contrast, and playful. That includes everything ranging from Matisse’s later works to contemporary artists like Kindah Khalidy, who I have hanging in my house.
How has your work developed over time?
Over time, I have discovered that the most powerful pieces come from the simplest elements. By embracing the "less is more" mantra, I work with intention and thoughtfulness, considering every choice, from color and shape to composition and white space.
What’s the most indispensable item in your studio?
My set of hole punchers. They range in size from micro to 3 inches in diameter.
Do you collect anything?
I love collecting vintage things. Everything from clothes to furniture and even toy cars . Discovering something while thrifting reminds me of collaging. Both involve the thrill of exploration and the joy of hunting for unique and inspiring items.
What’s the most inspiring thing you’ve seen, read, watched or listened to recently?
This summer I saw the Aura Experience at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal. It’s an immersive light show inside an ornate gothic cathedral, involving music and hundreds of lasers and lights programmed to shine across the walls and statues of the church.
The striking contrast of a modern light show set against a centuries-old church left a lasting impression on me. The vibrant colors and projections transformed the historic architecture, bringing the space to life. The blend of old and new inspired me to think about incorporating more contrasts in my work in order to create something unique and engaging.
What advice would you give to your younger self about your artistic journey?
I would tell my younger self not to sleep on her artistic desires. I would encourage her to trust her instincts and take risks, reminding her that creativity is for everyone. And lastly, I would say that even though she doesn’t think of herself as an artist, she possesses skills waiting to be uncovered and encourage her to find a way to let them out.
Bonus Question: What role does music play for you while you work?
Music is always playing when I collage. I collage in the center of my home, and use music and my headphones to create a sense of space for myself and to signal to my family that I am focusing on my work.
We were attracted to Rosemary’s work immediately. There is a surprise in how she balances realism with the unreal. View Rosemary's collection here.
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