Nolan Ryan painting by artist and Munger Place Resident, Grant Smith

www.grant9smith.com

About the artist: 

As a child most of the male figures in my life spoke about and loved the game of baseball. This became a language and way of communication when other attempts failed. They told me fascinating tales of players far preceding my birth.  I was given books focusing on the 19th and early 20th century history of the game.  As an adult I was introduced to vanity, racism, addiction, dark humor, depression, spirituality/ mythology, and creation of false heroes. I use early 20th century baseball players to explore these dark subjects and the human condition. I play with the push and pull of frivolity vs. brutality. I want to get back to those simple fantastical tales, blue skies, and fresh green grass. 

These paintings place the hero on a pedestal, only to kick it out from under them at the same time. They become ordinary in their misfortune, allowing the viewer a more realistic bond. I like the idea of a hybrid of Norman Rockwell, David Lynch and Franz Kafka.

Artists that I admire include Lucien Freud, Gerhard Richter, Ed Keinholz, and Neo Rauch to name only a few.