Artist Preston M. Smith (PMS) found himself cross-eyed and with no depth perception as a child. This was the "lens" through which he developed his unique visual perspective of the world, which he now shares as a painter. Before focusing completely on his visual artwork, Preston spent many years developing and expanding his creative mindset by acting professionally, touring and lead singing for a punk/ska band, and writing two novels as well as a collection of poetry and original paintings. All of this experience fed into his ability to access his creative voice and communicate his own experience. Over the years, Preston’s artwork has transitioned from moody pop surrealist paintings into vibrantly colorful, tactile, highly textured and almost "edible" abstract works. His mantra for his abstract work is "color, texture, beauty and decay", and his work and life have been an expression of moving from darkness into light. Preston’s work has been showcased alongside David Lynch and at the Inaugural Purple Ball for President Obama’s Inauguration in 2009, where he was commissioned to paint 12 portraits of the President. Recently, Preston is coming off of a successful Solo Exhibition at ShockBoxx Gallery in Hermosa Beach California and his first two showings at the LA Art Show in Downtown L.A.. His work has also been selected by a panel of curators as a winner in the 1st 2018 ArtSlant Artprize Showcase and has been on display at the world famous La Luz De Jesus Gallery, and in numerous exhibitions throughout Los Angeles and across the country. Preston's work has also been the subject of a documentary short entitled "Negativity To Creativity" and is in more than 500 private collections in 26 countries, as well as in the collections of celebrities such as Ed Harris, Ashley Judd, Josh Lucas, Patricia Arquette and more.
Painting for me is a raw and cathartic expression of my inner self. It is also an expression of the human condition. I see myself almost as a conduit for expressing raw and passionate emotions, without a filter. I think this is why people respond to my work, because they recognize these emotions from my art, in themselves. I have personally used art to heal and work through some rough periods in my life, and I like to say that my artwork is a process of transitioning from "darkness into light". In my abstraction, the work flows from a vibrant cosmic fluidity to a sort of messy geometrical abstraction. I am obsessed with both the assemblage and decay of beautiful forms, color and texture in my tactile oil paintings and I strive to let the medium itself have a strong voice. My textures are thick, chewy and many people say seemingly "edible", daring the viewer to want to touch and feel each piece. I like the idea that everything is transitory and that forms and even my own paintings will change with time. My figurative paintings are moody and surreal. Eyes are a focal point and these pieces convey a deep existential and emotional content. I stay constantly inspired by surrounding myself with music, literature, movies, and by cultivating my own everyday experiences. I employ all of these elements to better access the present moment, where all true creativity flows from, and which allows ideas to adapt and evolve. This is what feeds my art and helps it to grow and change with every passing day.
Represented By:
www.shockboxxproject.com/the-program
2023
“UnLoveable”, Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
“Intergalactic Open 4”, Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
2022
“Art In Embassies”, two works featured and displayed in US Embassy in Cameroon. Art In Embassies program, Morgan Fox, organizer.
“Sofa King Abstract”, Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
"Vibrant Abstracts NFT Solo Collection", Private Museum, Roche Group, online. Curated by Private Museum. https://www.privatemuseum.art/collection/vibrant-abstracts
"Iconic Pop Surrealism Solo Collection", Private Museum, Roche Group, online. Curated by Private Museum. https://www.privatemuseum.art/drops/iconic-pop-surrealism
“Regulated Garbage”, Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
“Group Show”, La Passione Art Gallery, Westfield Topanga, Woodland Hills, CA. Farid Shandiz, gallery owner.
“Intergalactic Open 3”, Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
2021
“The Really, Really Good Abstract Show”, Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
“Spectrum Gestalt 8", BG Gallery at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue | Santa Monica, CA 90404, Airom Bleicher, Curator.
“Pop Culture & Trashy”, Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
2020
"Swordfight", Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
"A Portal To The Soul", Malfarin Gallery, A Virutal Exhibition, www.malfarin.com.
"Endless Horizon", BG Gallery at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue | Santa Monica, CA 90404, Airom Bleicher, Curator.
"Irregularly Scheduled", Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
"Go! Figure", Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
"LA Art Show", bG Gallery Booth, Circular Art, LA Art Show, Modern + Contemporary, Los Angeles Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA, bG Gallery and Airom Bleicher, Curator.
"This: Is The Program", Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
2019
Solo exhibition, "Playtime Is Over?", Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner. May 18 - 25th. Opening Reception is Saturday, May 18th 7 - 9pm. Read Exclusive Show Interview
"Floating Worlds", bG Gallery, 3009 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 , Airom Bleicher, Curator.
"Cherry Creek Arts Festival", booth with Get The Gallery, Denver, CO. Joe Clark, owner.
"Spectrum Gestalt 6", bG Gallery, 3009 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 , Airom Bleicher, Curator.
"Dumpster Fire", Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins, director and owner.
"LA Art Show", bG Gallery Booth, Circular Art, LA Art Show, Modern + Contemporary, Los Angeles Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA, bG Gallery and Airom Bleicher, Curator.
(Upcoming) Vegan Reggae Music Festival, Solo Exhibiting Artist, Garden Grove Amphitheatre, Garden Grove, CA. Bob Linden, organizer.
2018
"The Miniature Show", Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins and Laura Schuler, directors and owners.
"The Water Between Us", Group Exhibition at 'Rail Too', The Little River Arts District, Art Basel Miami Week 2018, Miami FL. Maria Apostolidis and Design Art Concepts organizers.
Vegan Reggae Festival Fundraiser, Solo Artist, Studio City, CA. Bob Linden, organizer. Interviewed for the Jane Velez Mitchell show for the event.
"The Usual Suspects", Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins and Laura Schuler, directors and owners.
"Stripes", BG Gallery at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue | Space G8A | Santa Monica, CA 90404, Airom Bleicher, Curator.
"Naked As A Daisy", Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins and Laura Schuler, directors and owners.
"David Bowie Tribute Show", Neutra Museum, 2379 Glendale Blvd., Silverlake, CA. Dulce Stein, curator.
2017
"Abstract Badass", Shockboxx Project Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA. Michael Collins and Laura Schuler, directors and owners.
"Coaster Show 2017", La Luz De Jesus Gallery, Hollywood, CA. Matt Kennedy, director.
"$100 Art Sale", haleARTS S P A C E, Santa Monica, CA. Betsy Enzensberger, curator.
"Dulcepalloza", Neutra Museum, 2379 Glendale Blvd., Silverlake, CA. Dulce Stein, curator.
"Vs.", Gallery 825, Los Angeles Art Association, 825 N. La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069.
"Out There", Gallery 825, Los Angeles Art Association, 825 N. La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069, juried by William Escalera and Francisco George.
"$100 Art Sale", haleARTS S P A C E, Santa Monica, CA. Betsy Enzensberger, curator.
"Deconstructing Color & Form", a Four Artist Exhibition. Beyond The Lines Gallery at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404, Brittany Davis, director.
"Ocean Exhibition" Beyond The Lines Gallery at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404, Brittany Davis, director.
2016
"Grand Opening" Beyond The Lines Gallery at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404, Brittany Davis, director.
"Coaster Show 2016", La Luz De Jesus Gallery, Hollywood, CA. Matt Kennedy, director.
"Estate Sale Staging", The Hunting Musketeers, Mulholland Drive, Hollywood, CA. Virginia Viera, director.
"Spectrum Gestalt 3", BG Gallery at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue | Space G8A map | Santa Monica, CA 90404, Airom Bleicher, Curator.
"Contemporary Art Show", Conception, LA Mother, Hollywood, CA. Conception events, organizer.
"Live Painting & Auction", Benefit Auction for the Bring Hollywood Home Foundation, Santa Monica, CA. Preston M. Smith (PMS), Gary Charles Visconti contributing artists. Sharon Jimenez, director.
"Laluzapalooza", La Luz De Jesus Gallery, Hollywood, CA. Matt Kennedy, director.
"$100 Art Sale", haleARTS S P A C E, Santa Monica, CA. Betsy Enzensberger, curator.
2015
"Spectrum Gestalt 2", BG Gallery at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue | Space G8A map | Santa Monica, CA 90404, Airom Bleicher, Curator.
"Group Exhibition", AD Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA. Amy Delaporte, owner and curator.
"An Evening of Magic, Mystery, & Intrigue", Benefit Auction for the Bring Hollywood Home Foundation, The Magic Castle, Hollywood, CA. Preston M. Smith and Gary Charles Visconti contributing artists. Sharon Jimenez, director.
"You Can Touch But You Can't Look", WIZNU Labs Gallery, Downtown Lost Angeles Arts District, CA. Katya Kan, curator.
"Beyond the Lines", Astroetic Studios, Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Brittany Davis, curator.
"Nu Art", WIZNU Labs Gallery, Downtown Lost Angeles Arts District, CA. Kendra Cryan, curator.
"Group Exhibition", Hud Gallery, Ventura, CA. Yessica Torres, curator.
"Group Show", Cause Gallery, Chinatown Art District, Los Angeles, CA Frank Y.Takaki, curator.
2014
"Group Show", 2nd St. Cigar Lounge & Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles, CA Kendra Cryan, Organizer.
2012/13
Celebrity Veteran's Day event, “Group Show/Fundraiser”, Camarillo CA Tracy Saunders, Organizer.
Group Show/Competition, “Trees”, Dysonna City Art Gallery, Los Angeles, CA. Donna Dyson, Director.
Raw Artists, “Solstice”, Key Club, Hollywood, CA. Kaila Yu, Organizer.
L’art Pour L’art, “The Painted Dot”, Think Tank Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Baha Danesh, Organizer.
L’art Pour L’art, “Art Industry Mixer”, Holding Co. Studios, Los Angeles, CA. Baha Danesh, Organizer.
2011
The Hive Gallery, “Group Show”, Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Romina Gonzalez, Director.
SubSpace Art, “Ground Control”. Culver City, CA. Randi Kristopher Kreeft, Director.
2010
“Chocolate and Art” group show. Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Danilo Santos, Director.
(2009-2010) One Year Hiatus to work on PMS Animation Project
2009
2009 - Barack Obama Inauguration, “Inaugural Purple Ball”, 12 original “Obama” paintings commissioned for and featured at event and distributed to varies celebrities such as Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Ashley Judd, Josh Lucas, Amy Brenneman, Il Divo, and more. January 20th, 2009 at the Fairmont Hotel, Washington D.C.. Foad Afshari and Asal Masomi, Organizers.
The Loft, “Pancakes and Booze” art show. Culver City, CA. Tom Kirlin, Director.
2008
The Key Club, “Fundraiser/Art Show” for the David Lynch Foundation. Hollywood, CA. David Lynch and Preston Smith donating artists. Joshua Reed and Erin Skipper organizers.
Koo’s Gallery, “Group Show” - Long Beach, CA. Nick Wildermuth, Director.
Colachi Arts, “Group Show” - Manitou Springs, CO. Tina Siegfried, Director.
Celestial Opera Company, “Solo Show”, for opening of Giulio Cesare. Pasadena, CA. Michelle McWilliams, Curator
Celestial Opera Company, “Solo Show”, for opening of The Bartered Bride. Pasadena, CA. Michelle McWilliams, Curator.
2007
jFERRARI Gallery, “Anniversary Group Show” - Atwater Village, CA. Jazmin Ferrari, Director.
Infusion Gallery, “Group Show” - Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Jill and Dover Abrams, Directors.
Celestial Opera Company, “Solo Show”, for opening of Beethoven’s Fidelio. Pasadena, CA. Michelle McWilliams, Curator.
The Cherryl Alan Design Group, “Featured Artist” - Beverly Hills, CA. Cherryl Alan, Neil Zaniboni, Owners.
2006
Colachi Arts, “PMS Artwork” - Solo Show. Manitou Springs, CO. Tina Siegfried, Director.
Colachi Arts, “Group Show” - Manitou Springs, CO. Tina Siegfried, Director.
Gallery Noir, “Group Show #1 and #2" - Los Angeles, CA. Anabella Ricardo, RPG, Director.
ADM Project Gallery, Group Exhibition for Los Angeles Journal - Hollywood, CA. Coordinated by Neil Segura.
2005
NoHo Gallery LA, “American Roots” - North Hollywood, CA. Curated by Daniel DeBevoise.
The J/R Gallery, “The Colors of J/R III” and “The Colors of J/R II” - Manhattan Beach, CA. Curated by Jason Patrick.
Commissions and Collections:
2002 - Present - Commissioned by and artworks reside in more than 500 private collections in more than 26 countries around the world, including in the collections of Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Ashley Judd, Josh Lucas, Amy Brenneman, Il Divo, etc.
2022 - “Art In Embassies”, two works featured and displayed in US Embassy in Cameroon. Art In Embassies program, Morgan Fox, organizer.
2019 - Mural for Redondo Beach Utility Box Public Art Program. Original PMS Artwork printed for use on electrical box in Redondo Beach. Joyce Maddox organizer and Cultural Arts Manager for Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.
2016 - Palms Neighborhood Beautification Project. Original mini-murals painted in 3 different locations in the neighborhood of Palms, CA. Lee Wallach organizer for Motor Avenue Improvement Association.
2016 - Three commissioned works for the band Master T.C. & The Visitors forthcoming album. Ohio, USA.
2015 - Commissioned piece for the Shadow Horse Theater's performance of "Trainspotting". Minneapolis, MN.
2009 - Obama Inauguration Commission. Commissioned to paint a series of 13 original President Barack Obama paintings for the Inaugural Purple Ball in Washington D.C. on Inauguration Day (January 20th, 2009). Paintings were distributed to various celebrities attending the event, such as Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Ashley Judd, Josh Lucas, Amy Brenneman, Il Divo, etc. Painting were displayed and distributed at the ball.
2008 - Commissioned piece for the Celestial Opera Company, for Giulio Cesare. Los Angeles, CA.
2007 - Two murals commissioned by Tap Out company. Popular Clothing line out of Los Angeles, CA. www.tapout.com
2007 - Commissioned pieces for the Celestial Opera Company, for Beethoven’s Fidelio and The Bartered Bride. Los Angeles, CA.
Publications/Miscellaneous:
2023 - Exclusive interview with Artmajeur Print Magazine. https://www.artmajeur.com/en/magazine-paper
2022 - “Art In Embassies”, two works featured and displayed in US Embassy in Cameroon. Art In Embassies program, Morgan Fox, organizer.
2022 - Exclusive interview with Artmajeur Magazine. https://www.artmajeur.com/en/magazine/8-artist-portraits/preston-m-smith-waste-materials-turned-into-works-of-art/331600
2020 - Exclusive deep dive interview with Lee Hudspeth. https://leehudspeth.com/a-conversation-with-the-multifaceted-artist-preston-m-smith-painter-podcaster-educator-poet/
2019 - Exclusive interview with Asymmetric Magazine for solo exhibition Playtime Is Over? https://www.asymmetricmag.com/featured/prestonmsmith
2018 - PMS original artworks used in three separate issues of Healers Magazine online. Example: Healers
2017 - Documentary short based on my artwork, practice and mindset entitled "Negativity To Creativity", directed by Tony Lugo-Ponce. Watch Documentary
2017 - Interviewed by Katrina Fox of Vegan Business Talk podcast. 2017. Listen To Interview
2017 -Exclusive interview with Steve Molter for his "Five Questions" series. 2017. Read Full Interview
2017 - Article on my work and documentary short "Negativity to Creativity" in Vegan Life Magazine. 2017. Read Article
2017 -Exclusive interview with Artfinder.com for their online publication. March 29th, 2017. Read Interview
2017 - Artwork freatured in Art Muzeo Magazine's second issue. Chosen as one of a handful of talented Los Angeles artists for this issue. See Issue
2015 - Artwork freatured in Artist's Portfolio Magazine's "NY vs. LA" edition. Chosen as one of ten artists from Los Angeles for Artist's Portfolio Magazine's competition and issue. http://www.artistportfoliomagazine.com/
2014 - Preston M. Smith, "Exclusive Interview" for The White List, May 7th, 2014.
2014 - "Paintings With the Influence of the American Landscape: Preston M. Smith" Article written by James at The Wall Breakers, March 19th, 2014. Read Article
2014 - PMS Artwork highlight "Day 227" Article written by Art Blog Daily, March 25th, 2014. See Post
2011 - “Get a Hold of ‘Ground Control’ at Subspace”, January 28th, 2011. Article written by Nathan Solis for the Culver City Patch. Culver City, CA. http://culvercity.patch.com/articles/get-a-hold-of-ground-control-at-subspace
2009 - "Painting the President, Over and Over", February 2009. Ketchum, ID, The Idaho Mountain Express. Article written by Dana Dugan. Read Article
2007 - Artwork featured in Constellation Magazine, for the month of July, 2007. www.constellationmag.com
2006 - “Los Angeles” painting featured in the Los Angeles Journal, for “I Hate L.A.” article. Dec. 2005. Also produced additional illustrations for separate issues of the Los Angeles Journal. 2006.
Awards and Grants:
2022 - “Art In Embassies”, two works featured and displayed in US Embassy in Cameroon. Art In Embassies program, Morgan Fox, organizer.
2018 - My work "Awakenings" chosen as a winner by a panel of curators for the 1st 2018 ArtSlant Prize Showcase. https://www.artslant.com/la/works/show/1087765
2015 - My painting "Shattered" takes 3rd Place in the "All Abstracts" International Art Competition through Contemporary Art Gallery Online.
2015 - Chosen as one of ten artists from Los Angeles for Artist's Portfolio Magazine's competition and issue entitled, "NY vs. LA".
2014 - Hatchfund Grant. "Frame Me"
2001 -2002 - Awarded Kreielsheimer Assistantship. Assistant to Professor/Mentor Robert Gilmore. Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Education:
94’-97’ – Wood River High School – Sun Valley, ID. Extensive art education.
2001 - Bachelors Degree from Gonzaga University - Spokane, WA. Fine Art and Theatre Arts.
2001-02 - Assistant Teacher to Artist/Professor Robert Gilmore. Focus on Painting and Drawing classes. Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA.
Represented Online By:
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