Jessie Avant Smith

Jessie Avant Smith (b: 1979, American) is a multidisciplinary artist and educator born in South Carolina,  living and working in Charlotte, North Carolina.  She works in her converted garage studio creating steel and mixed media two-dimensional and sculptural works in a representational, semi-pop style. Her still life pieces are crafted using steel, acrylic paint, and dry media on wood and paper.  Her work is inspired by the poetic images of nature and nostalgia. Using low contrast, split complementary color palettes, and pleasing linear elements she draws the viewer in for a moment of rest, contemplation, and the occasional laugh.  Think mid century Giorgio Morandi meets Pee Wee’s Place House. 

  Jessie has studied at Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC; University of Georgia, Cortona Italy; and Penland School of Craft, Penland, NC  and attended artist residencies at Penland School and Good Year Arts in Charlotte. She has work in many private collections as well as permanent collections at The York County Museum, Rock Hill, SC, The Florence Museum, Florence, SC, and the City of Hartsville, SC.