Bronson Smith

Newfoundland Stages, 2020, acrylic on routed plywood with pine and balsa wood strips, 24″ x 24″

About the artist:

Geoffrey Smith was born in Ottawa, 1955. His wood relief painting style originated in 1983. On June 2, 1994, he changed his name from Geoffrey to Bronson (a family name) as part of his personal growth.

Bronson’s paintings started out as flat enamel paint on 1/4” plywood with balsa wood strips to build up the areas. He has since been inspired by an AGO exhibition of Paterson Ewen who used a router to add depth and detail. When manufacturers phased out flat enamel paint, Bronson switched to Liquitex acrylic paint. This switch changed his entire palette and intensity of his artwork.

“I have been drawn to decay and the transitory nature of the world around us. Buildings and communities age and disappear into the mist, and are confined to stories of days past. I feel the need to capture the images of the outports of Newfoundland & Labrador and the barns of Ontario. These solid structures become fragile as they are subjected to the elements of neglect, the environment, and despair.” — Bronson Smith

Bronson Smith’s Studio

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