BLU SMITH
Courtesy Avenue Gallery
"Eagle Perch"
Blu Smith, "Eagle Perch", mixed media, 54" x 96"
Born: British Columbia, 1968
Studied: BFA University of Victoria
Lives/Works: Victoria
Price Range: $1800+,br>
In a recent conversation, Heather Wheeler at Victoria’s Avenue Gallery picked up on a trend of collectors becoming more interested in historical Canadian painters, other than the Group of Seven. “Collectors are becoming more eclectic, combining contemporary and historical works in their collections” she said. She is also noticing that collectors are becoming more interested in abstract art.
Blu Smith is a relative newcomer to the Victoria gallery scene. “I’ve been watching Blu’s work over the last couple of years. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s installation at Victoria International Airport featuring one of his paintings, Eagle’s Perch, drew me in immediately. This was the first I had seen his work in person and I was very impressed by his powerful and masterful application of paint as well as the subtle textures — his technique was confident and mature,” Wheeler says. “When deciding who will be a ‘fit’ in the gallery, there’s a question of balance in my existing stable of artists — Blu’s clear abstracts filled a niche we had been looking to expand. The response from clients and fellow artists has been enthusiastic.”
Collector Tip
Most reputable galleries offer a trial period, where you can take a work home for a period of a week, maybe two to see how the work fits into your space. If you’re interested in a piece, don’t be afraid to ask the gallery if you can take it home on a trial basis.
