Artist Statement

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Nathan Smith is a graduate student at SIUE studying Art Therapy Counseling.  His love of psychology has spurred the conceptual theme within his artwork.  He works with pencil and paper almost exclusively.  In order to convey conceptual themes, his work is a mix between surrealism and realism. He hopes that his work illuminates the mental health field, to alleviate the negative stigma behind mental and emotional challenges all of us will at one point face.  He believes if more people were to work through their turmoil, many of the world's issues could begin to subside.  Nathan takes the perspective that the individual is at the center of their success and failures which reflects the success and failures at a global level.  He hopes his artwork will provide room for insight, awareness, and education.