Alumna Erica Kaye Smith (‘04) Featured in Contemporary Collage Magazine

Erica Kaye Smith was featured in the inaugural issue of a new publication dedicated to collage artists and the work that they produce. 

Contemporary Collage Magazine is a joint project by father and daughter Les Jones and Molly Campbell, both of whom are artists, writers, and designers in their own right. They spoke to Smith about her work with collage and the relationship between the practice and her personal and artistic journey.

“I’ve always been creative,” said Smith. “In high school I decided I was going to try to pursue a career in art. I went to Montserrat College…. and that’s where I learned more about modernist collage and began collecting paper. 

“When I was living in New York and Boston in particular, I accumulated one hell of a collection of found scraps from the streets. I’m pretty proud of that. I’ve lost a lot of it over the years due to unforeseen circumstances but it’s kind of my prized possession, my collection of paper.”

Smith’s latest style of collage is new to her, and comes following a break from collage as a medium. After Smith quit drinking in her thirties, she found herself returning to the process in a new way.

“The bright colors, they’re almost a little orderly in a way. They just keep getting brighter and brighter.”

Earlier this year, Smith was also profiled at Shoutout Colorado. At the end of that interview, she dedicated her success to her mother, saying “I would definitely dedicate my successes to my Mom. She has supported and encouraged me every step of the way, from the very early days until today. She gave me the strength and courage I needed to embrace my creativity and see where it takes me.” 

You can purchase the first issue of Contemporary Collage Magazine at their website, where you can read the full piece about Smith’s collage practice.

The Shoutout Colorado piece from this past June can be found here.

Erica Kaye Smith can be found (and followed!) on Instagram at @ericakayesmith.