ART, WHATEVER IT TAKES

Since the early pandemic in 2020, Rome Art Program has conducted a series of interviews, “Art, Whatever It Takes.”
Artists, Art Critics, and Art Historians living in Italy, the U.S., and U.K., share their insights during these powerful times.

Interview with Ed Smith

Ed Smith, American Sculptor, New York – teaching at Marist College NY.

RAP: Where do you live ? And what is your background?

Ed Smith: My studio and home are in upstate NY, USA. The studio was constructed to be as short a distance as possible to the home so I can be there late and early. While storage is always an issue the 4 storage areas I have are close or adjacent to the studio, and I have the fields and woods to place things. Storage is essential because it is memory. I’ve taught and worked at many places over the years but have found a home at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. One of the many things that Marist college provided is the opportunity to work with a man who I admire a great deal, President Dennis Murray. Artists in particular know, working with someone who holds your dignity paramount is a blessing. Marist College has also given me the opportunity to direct their Venice Biennale Program and regularly travel to Florence.

RAP: In your opinion is there a “creative method”?

Ed: I believe in work. Simply put WORK IS THE ONLY creative method. Everything and anything else is of no consequence. And I believe this is the basis for the respect Carole and I have for each other. And the intensity and demanding character of her teaching. Her understanding of the past is something I particularly appreciate. I can remember a course she and I taught based upon the ANABASIS by Xenophon. We had models, costumes, drawings and a diorama of the Peloponnesian war.

RAP: The “lock down moment” can set youon the path of some important change(s) in your creativity and style…Has thishappened to you?

Ed: Being hindered from visiting Greece, The National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Florence and other museums has been hard. Not to see those great works which formed my beliefs, or maybe a better way to say it is, those things which gave structure to inherent beliefs was the most difficult. Currently, instead of researching and casting, and an exhibition, all in Athens, I’ve been involved with transcribing and drawing the ILIAD. I find that epic and the monumental task of taking on a grand challenge distances me from the current issues. As Solon said- I grow old learning something new every day. Nonetheless, with the exception of being restrained from travel, the foundry and my beloved museums, my work continues unabated although gently nudged in a slightly different direction. The waxes for bronze pile up, not only the figures, but the helmets, shields and reliefs since I’ve concentrated on drawings and prints.

RAP: What normally inspires you? Which is the most important inspirational source you have found in Rome?

Ed: I work. Everyday. The goal, possibly, once in a blue moon, that thing you mention “inspiration” occurs. When it does that’s a thing of beauty. The more one works the more “inspirational” moments occur. I once heard a great golfer say that the more he practiced the “luckier” he got……

RAP: Is there a difference in working in Rome for an artist? What art medium do you prefer to work in?

Ed: Working in a Great city with truly Great museums is an experience that one can’t describe in words. That is essential for the development of an Artist. Rome IS a great city.

RAP: How are you feeling at this difficult moment and what made you feel this way? Are you optimistic for the future?

Ed: Historically the “dark ages” are vastly over drawn, in most minds I think. Some people consider that darkness shrouded the world. No. But these are “dark ages” my friend, where the light of reason, the diminishing passion and sense of purpose has undermined many. When one looks at an Age of Heroes, and the possibility of Art as resonant, uplifting and vital, suggests we have a great future before us. Remember Edith Hamilton saying- “Men knew great deeds could be done because they had seen great deeds done by men.”

RAP: What can Art contribute to history? Will “Art save us”?

Ed: Art IS history.

RAP: What is your most ambitious dream?…and the greatest sacrifice that you have made for your Art?

Ed: Yogi Berra, a tremendous philosopher in his own right, answered that best; “I wish I had an answer to that, because I’m tired of answering that question.”

RAP: Recently, the artistic and cultural message of Italy and Rome was reemerging as a great “work in progress”, …is this your point of view?

Ed: I’m always leery of messages by “cultural” representatives on any level, on any topic. They (those who make pronouncements) lose touch with the feeling on the street and begin to think they know… The Artist on the “street” is most aware, they are doing it…

RAP: Which is your favorite Italian, or Roman, place(s) of art (Museum,Gallery, Monument…)?

Ed: The Bargello is one of the greatest depositories of sculpture in the world. In my opinion it is one of the very best museum in Italy although there are many…

RAP: Which period of Italian Art do you prefer? What is your favorite Italian work of art?

Ed: Donatello’s David certainly is in the pantheon of “greats”, as is Piero’s portrait of the Duke of Urbino. The Boxer while not “Italian” per se, is an essential pilgrimage, The Medici Horse head in Florence is another. The Laocoon in the Vatican is vital and as important as the sunrise, as is “Stealing the Body of St Mark” in Venice.

RAP: How has Rome personallyinfluenced you as an artist and a person?

Ed: Rome being such a tremendous storehouse of great, and important sculpture is not only a constant personal influence but a continual Siren for me. To stand in front of The BOXER is a transformation experience. That work in particular has a deep resonance with me. And like anything that extraordinary I can stare at it for hours and days. That sculpture in particular is always for me, Rome!

RAP: What’s your goal? What role does the artist have in society? Any final thoughts and advice?

Ed: WORK is noble. Your work is your truest self and your essential reason for being.

https://edsmithfineart.com/