Tales of personal struggles, noble triumphs, and idle confusion are what Zimbabwean artist Megan Smith’s paintings are composed of. The image, either synonymous in tone or all-consuming in color, references individual experiences that have directed, or somehow influenced Smith’s current role as a creative. Her past as an athlete nurtured her capacity for movement and aided in the discovery of her endless reservoir of ideas. “The wear and tear of this pursuit found its resolution in visual creation,” she says. “This accompanied with a strong appreciation for music, culminated in me learning how to play the violin, and finding the emotional peace in music from the inside out. All played an integral part in what is now my multi-disciplinary process.” Her mediums for creation are vast: some being acrylic, acrylic and gouache on paper, and acrylic and ink on canvas. Additionally, her creative process and mindset have considerably changed. Prior, Smith strictly painted on stretched, upright canvases for the purpose of control. Today, she harnesses the energy, freedom, and disruption of fluidity that stems from painting on the floor, straddling the art.

Smith’s athleticism presented itself first in life and in college she played tennis and golf. This facet of her identity remains today and even co-exists with her current artistic career. She attended SCAD, Florence University of the Arts and ASU. The message in her art is selfless: she hopes it will mightily invite people of all walks of life to open up their minds, hearts and even vulnerabilities.