Kirkland Smith began her career as a classical painter, and in 2008, began creating contemporary assemblages, transforming everyday disposable objects into works of art, as an evocative way to drive home the message of the importance of reducing consumer consumption. Her intention was to transform waste into art but through the process, the work has transformed her as well. She is now on a journey back to painting and drawing, as she continues her assemblage work.
Kirkland has won several awards, including The People’s Choice Award at Artfields, in Lake City, SC. Her work can be seen in public and private collections across the state, including the Greenville Children’s Museum, SC Department of Commerce, The University of South Carolina, Nephron Pharmaceuticals, and Edventure Museum.
A proud native to SC, she received her B.A. in Studio Art at USC and studied painting and drawing at Studio Escalier in France. She is a resident artist at Stormwater Studios. Kirkland and her husband raised 4 children in Columbia, SC, where they continue to live with their 2 spoiled dogs.