Diana J. SMITH
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An Oklahoma native, Diana J. Smith received a BFA in painting from the University of Oklahoma. Her intense interest in masks led her into additional studies in anthropology.
Diana has exhibited in numerous juried, group, and solo shows and has won awards for her paintings, ceramics and masks. While Diana also enjoys pure abstraction, she is best known for her acrylic paintings of canines, enlivening her subjects with qualities of loyalty, humor, inquisitiveness, mystery and patience.
Diana created masks of leather during the 1980’s which are in private collections all over the country.
Diana began working in ceramics in 2014 as a break from painting, after her solo show in the Governor’s Gallery at the Oklahoma State Capital. Once she discovered Raku firing, she knew she must make masks again utilizing ceramic Raku fired faces.
SPIRIT MASKS
The body of work called Spirit Masks consists of natural materials combined in a contemporary interpretation of our Native American past. I use many materials Native Americans would have used including clay, leather, animal pelts and feathers. In addition, I incorporate in the masks those items that would be found in a sacred bundle. In traditional Native American medicine, the sacred pouch or bundle held numerous items possessing spiritual value to the bundle’s owner such as seeds, herbs, pine cones, grass, animal teeth or claws, horse hair, rocks, tobacco, beads, arrowheads, or bones. Warriors also carried sacred bundles that included items that were important to them such as rattles, animal furs, or special stones.
The amazing beauty of the colors, shapes and textures of the materials are integral in creating the work. The overall direction and the spirit of each mask evolves with my choices of these materials.
Masks conjure up images of primitive people performing ceremonial rites to insure a bountiful crop, successful hunt, or to honor their god. Mine are a tribute to that ancient colorful past. Today, they may not be used in primitive rites, but instead may inspire searching for answers to one’s destiny, and in healing, not of the body but of the spirit.
Each spirit mask is a one-of-a-kind original. They may be hung on the wall or displayed on their custom stands.
JACKS
Jack Rabbits are fascinating, beautiful creatures. They have exceptionally long legs and are noted for speed. My Jacks take a 180º turn on that.
Poised in laid back, relaxed, human like poses, these guys appear to be in no hurry at all. Their smug, playful grins assure you they posses a secret. Whether you find out what it is or just enjoy their interaction with you, they will bring a smile to your face.
The jacks have classic Jack names from Cracker Jack to Jack Daniels to Jack Sparrow.
The Jacks are hand-built White Stoneware, mounted on a slate or marble base, signed and named. Some are Raku fired, some glazed and fired. All are original, one-of-a-kind.