My current diagrammatic-style drawings address concepts of force and stress embedded in geological and spatial contexts.

Negative Pressure

Referencing elements of humanity, the individual self and the physical spaces in which we dwell reinforce these concepts.

In my work, the interplay of force or stress may be momentary and visceral or seemingly absolute. This juxtaposition of ideas has often been infused into my sculptural and two-dimensional art, however, in drawing I have the freedom to experiment in a more immediate conceptual manner that is not always possible in the sculpture building process.

I am intrigued with scientific and mechanical illustration and have for many years attempted to integrate their logical characteristics into my artwork. In my drawings, a one-dimensional rawness is experimented with and representational imagery is de-constructed into a more elemental state. Commonplace symbols and graphic images are re-worked into various contexts to further enhance the desired visual dialectic: one that is orchestrated through a balance of images, symbols, line, abstract markings and watercolour washes.

Doug Smith
2006