Patty Carmody Smith

"My work is unique and joyful, with each piece revealing its own personality and presence."

Mixed media artist Patty Carmody Smith's creative style is founded on a love of process and a disciplined approach to her work. She came to sculpture via fiber art and as a result prefers air-drying materials and simple tools. Her work is meticulously crafted, emotive and visually interesting.

Patty starts each piece by carving a Styrofoam armature and covering it with papier mache pulp. The next layer is air-drying clay which is painted and waxed. Some pieces include glass mosaic.

Patty received a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls where she studied fiber art under Walter Nottingham. She developed her sculptural process while in a mentorship program at the Textile Center of Minnesota. Patty has been showing and selling her work at galleries and art centers since 1995.