A Funky Scottish Life: Introducing...Vivian Ross-Smith

Thursday, 11 July 2013

Introducing...Vivian Ross-Smith

'Suomi' by Vivian Ross-Smith

Recently, I was very fortunate to be invited to the Degree Show at Gray's School of Art, part of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. It was a privilege to meet so many talented young artists. This week, I'd like to introduce you to one of those rising stars, Vivian Ross-Smith, who moved from her home in Shetland to study in Aberdeen. Here's an artist statement from Vivian, along with some more of her fabulous work. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Karen x

Vivian Ross-Smith

The predominant focus in my work is the subject of remoteness; especially relating to my home of Shetland and time that I spent in Turku, Finland. Within my work traditional methods of craftsmanship and preservation techniques have become central to my practice. I use these skills and processes as a means of exploring relationships between material and surface; and between man made and natural. It is important for me to tie together both painting and traditional craft methods in the work. This has meant that the collection and use of natural materials, from source, along with an honest handmade means of producing the work has become extremely important in the production of the end result.

Importing ideas of remote living into the studio and gallery context.

My work becomes a visual patchwork of personal experience considering the extreme nature of living in remote locations. Exploring how ancestrally collected skills that would have aided the struggles of everyday life can now be observed from a different perspective."

You can find out more about Vivian-Ross Smith at www.vivianrosssmith.co.uk