Nature Speaks: The Art of Carl Smith on View at BPL

 

                                                                

Carl Smith – Lips | 2023 | Mimosa | 27” x 17” x 12”

The Birmingham Public Library is proud to feature the works of artist Carl Smith in an upcoming exhibition titled Nature Speaks. Scheduled to open at the Central Library on Friday, September 25, the show features unique statues, pedestals, and wall pieces that Smith deftly fashions from the found remains of trees and vines. Please join Smith at a reception celebrating his new exhibition at 4:00 p.m. in Sculpture Gallery. (Afterwards, enjoy BPL’s annual blues concert.)

The self-taught Smith has been working with wood for over 40 years. He began collecting driftwood while working for the Birmingham Water Works at the Cahaba Pumping Station, where he performed water-quality testing. Since then, he has continued collecting strikingly shaped pieces of wood in parks, along roadsides, and in bodies of water.

 Smith’s expertise lies in recognizing and resurrecting the innate beauty of the wood he finds. He is drawn to pieces that resemble animals, birds, clouds, dancers, flowers, and even ghosts and aliens, though he acknowledges that his works are perceived differently depending on the viewer. Cedar, cherry, mulberry, Southern red oak, sycamore, walnut, and wisteria are just a few examples of the many tree species he works with. 

Carl Smith – Balancing Wood | 2014 |

Southern red oak, English ivy vine, mulberry base | 24” x 36” x 12”

At his Fairfield studio, Smith transforms detritus-covered, sometimes insect-ridden, pieces of wood into works of art that correspond to his initial visions. To accomplish this, the wood goes through various phases of cleaning, sanding, and polishing. Among the tools Smith employs are a hand dremel with bits, a grinder with sanding pads, and a drill with wire brush attachments. Using numerous methods, he skillfully reveals the wood’s natural colors, textures, and patterns.  

 Through his vision and subsequent rejuvenation of found wood, Smith considers that he is simply allowing Nature to speak. It is no coincidence that he named his art practice “Nature’s Art.” Smith attributes his remarkable talent to God: “Thank God for eyes to see the beauty in a piece of wood lying on the ground or drifting down the river.”

 In the artwork of Carl Smith, Nature seems to speak a mesmerizing visual poetry of her own. 

Carl in his element

About the artist

 Carl Smith was born in Georgetown, South Carolina, and was raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from A.H. Parker High School. His artwork has been featured in festivals throughout Central Alabama, including Magic City Art Connection and Moss Rock Festival. Learn more about Smith and his work on his Facebook page.

 “Nature Speaks” will be on view in the Sculpture Gallery through Saturday, December 5. Smith will host an artist’s talk on Saturday, October 17, at 2:00 p.m. This exhibition and accompanying activity are made possible in part by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Written by Margaret Splane.