Virginia Smith

Virginia graduated from OCADU in Toronto, Canada with a BA in Sculpture/Installation (2019). Her work explores space, viewing materials as a connection to expression with their own inherent meaning. Her works sift photography, video, projections, glass, aluminum, and multimedia. Virginia’s interest in social justice spearheaded her to lead a collaborative public art project, Wiidosendiwag + Walking Together + Marchons Ensemble, a walking audio tour, with sculptures and plaques as placemakers, in Owen Sound ON, 2016-2018. Remembering the quote ”The message is the medium” by Marshall McLuhan along with a life-long interest in environmentalism inspired her desire to attend the MASD program, opening her future to new ways.

Virginia currently lives in Petawawa, Ontario with her daughter and one-year-old Bernadoodle pup.

Personal Pronouns

She/her

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

My artwork is inspired by sustainability using textures and earthly motifs of a transient nature, embracing the ephemerality of nature and being itself. Utilizing the aesthetics of natural forms: branching, leaf patterns, wood grains, contrasting textures and colour, each work being co-authored by nature.

How did you get your job?

I am self-employed applying for exhibitions and grants.

What inspires you/your work?

Climate change has made me er-evaluate how I will make art. By embracing the circular economy philosophy, waste is not-longer discarded but re-imagined into a new existence. Notions of permanence and longevity are not relevant, all materials I use have a first life and are biodegradable, emancipating the future from destructive elements.

How do you network yourself and your art?

Through Linkedln, Akimbo, other artists.

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree, and what was it in?

Ontario College of Art and Design in sculpture/installation

How did you hear about MCAD?

I was looking for an online program, not exactly sure but through a google search and took a summer course first.

Why did you choose to earn an MA at MCAD?

They had an online degree in something I had been interested in.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

I loved how we supported each other, and gained knowledge of practical tools.

Where were you located when you completed the program?

Petawawa, Ontario, Canada.

What was the online education like?

Fantastic.

How has the MA impacted your career/your life?

It is still a struggle to get recognized.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your everyday life? What advice do you have for others to do the same?

I have always done this but accessing current trends and ideas helps when I might feel out of place. I have always gone against the norm, people still seem backward but I try to stay emerged in people who are pushing the envelope. I just do my best, no one is perfect.

What would you tell students considering pursuing an MA degree in Sustainable Design?

Do it, it is fun and useful for everyone.