A Conversation With Sculptor Ed Smida

We recently sat down with acclaimed sculptor, Ed Smida, whose work will be featured in the Gallery’s upcoming two-man exhibition, A Lifetime of Learning: Two Artistic Journeys. The show will also highlight painter Chris Morel.

In this Q&A session, Ed Smida generously gives us a glimpse into his life as a working artist, his background, and what sparks his creative sculptural works.

Sculptor Ed Smida

Featured on cover: Twin Crowns, Ed. of 9, bronze, 33 x 14 x 10 in.

How long have you been sculpting?

I began sculpting in the summer of 2013, and over the last ten or eleven years I’ve dedicated myself exclusively to sculpture. It’s been a real gift returning to art after so many years away. When I was younger it was such an important part of my life. I was always drawing, and even studied painting for a little while. Although I didn’t initially pursue a career in the visual arts, I think art has always been part of my true self. 

You spent many years working in the corporate world. What made you decide to switch careers and pursue art?

I went directly from university into a thirty-year career in business. Almost half that time was spent working internationally. It was challenging and rewarding and full of incredible memories. But at fifty one I was pretty burnt-out. After a ton of soul-searching I made the decision to leave the business world completely behind. I knew there was another important part of my life in front of me, and needed to clear away everything in order to begin that next journey.

What led you to pick up clay for the first time?

 In 2013 after a long time away from making art, I decided to take some classes at the Art Students League of Denver. I assumed I would start painting again. But after visiting the studios at the school, I elected to take classes in life drawing and figurative sculpture. My connection with clay and the human form was immediate and true.

The Duality of Man, Ed. Of 9, Bronze, 27 x 8 1/2 x 10 IN.

What’s it like working as a full-time artist?

Working as a full-time artist is wonderful. For me it’s become a very intellectual pursuit. Each new piece is loaded with thought and consideration. It’s hard work that requires great focus and commitment. I love the entire process—slowing down, sensing the world around me, investigating, questioning, embracing uncertainty. With luck you find your own voice and get to tell your own story. 

How would you describe your style as an artist?

I don’t have one style. All of my work is figurative, and I primarily work with the human form in bronze. But I play up and down a scale from abstraction to representation. Where I settle on that scale depends on my objectives—the story I’m telling and how I’m trying to say it. As a sculptor I have a visual vocabulary at my disposal. Things like shape, line, texture, value, material, and scale. An artist can work with these elements like a musician plays notes or a poet chooses words.

Healing the Divide (Homage to Ernest Blumenschein), Ed. of 9, bronze, 25 x 21 x 16 in.

You often do homages to historic artists in your pieces. Who are your biggest inspirations?

I’m inspired by many different sculptors and painters. Sometimes I’m drawn to their finished work, and other times to their process or philosophy. I just returned from Rome, so right now I’m obsessed with Michelangelo and Bernini. I’m inspired by the sculptors who led us into the modern era such as Auguste Rodin and Medardo Rosso. In terms of living American artists, my sculpture has been greatly influenced by the work of George Carlson. When I’m working in my studio I always feel supported by the artists that came before me. I think this link is part of the gift of being an artist. 

What do you find most inspires you and informs your subject matter?

A major inspiration for me is living and working here in the Southwest. It’s the remarkable aesthetic combination of land, sky, light, and palate. I find this expansive backdrop a perfect foundation for my figurative work. In terms of subject matter, a lot of my work is autobiographical. It may be triggered by something external such as travel, literature, a painting or photograph. But it almost always circles back to something I’ve seen or felt, emotions I’ve experienced, things I’m feeling about the world. With every completed piece I’m sharing part of my story. I’m saying, “this is something I think is important”. 

What’s been your proudest moment as an artist?

I think my proudest moments are when my work deeply touches someone. For example, a few years ago a woman who acquired one of my sculptures needed to enter memory care. Faced with having to choose only a handful of her possessions, she chose to take my sculpture. I love making art and sharing my art. And when deep connections occur it’s really special. 

You’re part of an upcoming exhibition in June called A Lifetime of Learning: Two Artistic Journeys. What are you most excited about leading up to the show?

I’ve really enjoyed my time in the studio leading up to this show. It’s been a busy year modeling the new sculptures and casting all the pieces. But since that work is almost complete, I’m now getting most excited about sharing the collection. I’ll be unveiling brand new work alongside some of my earliest and most iconic pieces. I’m excited to talk to people about these sculptures and see them engage with the work.

Taos Man, Ed. of 11, bronze, 18 x 12 x 10 in.

Shelley’s Creation, Ed. of 9, bronze, 15 x 7 x 9 in.

A Lifetime of Learning: Two Artistic Journeys will open at Nedra Matteucci Galleries in Santa Fe June 22 and run through July 12, 2024. Learn more about Ed and view more of his incredible works here.

For pricing and more information about the sculptures shown here, please call (505) 982-4631 or email inquiry@matteucci.com.