Laurel Smith's "Ornaminimalism" paintings are a project of works that combine diametrically opposed design styles. She integrates the austere presentation of Minimalism with embellishment inspired by the imperial courts of King Louis XV and the Dowager Empress Cixi. By positioning a scrollwork detail at the edge of the painting, the exposed wall is activated as an additional ornate element. Painting's context within the confines of environment and culture is made evident in these works. Smith's current studio research continues to pursue Minimalism through concepts of the void and teachings of the Kyoto School philosophers.
Laurel Smith was born in Calgary Alberta. She earned her MFA in Studio Art at Concordia University in Montreal and her undergraduate BFA (with distinction) at Alberta College of Art and Design. Upon graduating, Smith continued painting in Montreal and New York and was named the eastern Canada finalist for the RBC Canadian Painting competition. In 2004 she moved back to Calgary and has been actively exhibiting in solo and group exhibitions, including the Alberta Biennial. Smith's works are in numerous public and private collections and she has been awarded Canada Council and Alberta Foundation for the Arts production grants. She teaches part-time at the Alberta College of Art and Design and the University of Calgary. She is currently completing a doctoral thesis on the color red for the University of Calgary's Education Faculty. Smith also contributes to her art community as a freelance writer, most noteably for her "Peer Review" column in the FFWD Weekly. Smith is represented by Skew Gallery in Calgary and Peak Gallery in Toronto.
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