“Earth Elements” by Nancy Smith

The first featured artist show of the season, Earth Elements, is a gallery event associated with the town of Hillsborough’s climate change initiative. To increase people’s awareness of the topic of climate change, I turned my attention to the expression of the delicacy and beauty of our earth. My inspiration was based on Native American philosophy of our intimate relationship with the natural environment. “We are of the Earth and are related to all beings of Nature. Our fate is intimately tied to the fate of the planet.” 

I spend a lot of time outdoors and find my experiences there extremely inspiring. I deeply revere the earth and am amazed by its fragility yet powerful actions and responses. Many of my paintings are based on cycles and patterns found in nature.

Several series of paintings in this show reflect the four seasons and their changes. I used figures to reflect milestones within the year applying them to the aging female form. A Native American proverb reflects the importance of stewardship of the earth throughout our lives. “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

Cycles of nature and their effect on the mountain environment inspired a series of landscapes during painting retreats. I was born in the North Carolina mountains and always feel as if I’m coming home to a part of myself when there. As Chief George says, “We are all part of Mother Earth. She sustains us and we must sustain her in return.”

When people view my paintings, I want them to deepen their respect and appreciation of the earth. My hope is that in remembering to acknowledge Earth Elements of water, air, land, plants, and animals, we will be motivated to care more deeply for ourselves and our world. 

“Mother Earth is not a resource. She is an heirloom,” — David Ipina (Yurok Tribe).

—HGA Member Artist Nancy Smith