COLE SMITH
COLE SMITH
Aspen based artist Cole Smith (b.1997) is a painter and multimedia artist, whose artworks reflect what it is like to grow up and live in Colorado. His work often embodies the ideology of the outlaw western gunslinger, past and present. The early stages of his life he grew up painting illustrations on snowboards and honed the idea of creating something with what you had. His childhood treehouse held itself as the place for the American Dream and freedom of building things. Often visiting ghost towns as a kid, and road trips across the American West - he was heavily inspired by whatever he came across on the road and currently still uses the same process which is a cultivation of his asphalt cowboy upbringing and the wear and tear culture of growing up in Colorado.
WORKS ON DISPLAY
ADDITIONAL WORKS AVAILABLE
Could you share some insights into your recent body of work?
My recent body of work is rooted in personal memory and place, blending documentary imagery with a more interpretive approach. I drew inspiration for my paintings from the photographs by my friend Jonah Gorder. Every summer, Jonah, a photographer based in Bozeman, Montana, spends time at rodeos, capturing the energy and atmosphere of these events. I grew up attending rodeos and this series feels like a return to something deeply familiar, but with a new perspective.
The paintings focus on summer in the West, distilling the moments and details that define the rodeo experience. The side panels, however, are more abstract—an interpretation of how it would feel to be there. They represent what my brain remembers from those locations: not necessarily what was in front of me, but the emotions, colors, and fragments of memory that linger long after.
What sources of inspiration drive your art?
My art is inspired by the beauty found in everyday life, especially in places far removed from the art world. Living in the mountains, I’m drawn to the simplicity and authenticity of mountain life, capturing its quiet, often overlooked moments to showcase a beauty that feels real and grounded.
How does this exhibition reflect your artistic vision or themes you’ve been exploring?
This exhibition reflects my artistic journey of rediscovery. After years of working in the clothing industry in Los Angeles, I found my way back to art, something I had practiced since childhood but never considered a career. When I was laid off, drawing became a form of stress relief, eventually leading me to explore art more seriously. In many ways, I’m revisiting the fundamentals, much like the progression in art school. My first show focused on drawing and charcoal, which then led me to explore mixed media. Now, as I move into painting, I have chosen to work exclusively in black and white, a natural starting point in traditional training, allowing me to build a strong foundation before expanding further.
Do you have a favorite piece in the show? If so, what makes it stand out to you?
My favorite piece in the show is the rodeo clown. It came the easiest, feeling more like drawing than painting. What makes it special is that it started as a test piece but ended up being my reintroduction to painting, making it a significant part of my journey as an artist.