Artist: Grace Smith
Title: The Current
Location: Wheeling and Riggin
Statement: Whenever someone turns the corner and sees my art, I want to inspire them to live boldly, and in a way that excites them. I want people to do things that fill their lives with pure joy, and embrace the beautifully chaotic and bustling energy that is inside of them. Every person has a unique path, every person has different potentials for different things. We are all individuals, it is time we started living like it.
Ask yourself, "what would you do if you weren't afraid?" Answer and then do. Fun surrounds us all if we broaden our perspective and act from a place of love instead of fear. Allowing ourselves to flow with the current will take us where we have always wanted to go.
The numbers 222, 444, 555, and 888 on my box are called angel numbers. They are seen as divine messages and spiritual symbols that can be broken down with numerology and they all have specific meanings. Along with angel numbers, evil eyes are on the side of my box. Evil eyes are symbols of protection.
On the front of my box, there are two cherries holding hands and walking down a yellow path. The cherries are something that I will usually add to my more detailed drawings or paintings as an easter egg, they’re also canonically, unconditionally in love. The yellow path came to be because I was listening to Yellow Brick Road by Elton John while I was painting.
Whenever people pass my box, I want them to know they are divinely protected and looked after. I made my box with the intentions of adding a piece of brightness and positivity to Muncie, and placing those emblems around my box was a way for me to affirm and protect the good energy people will receive whenever they go by. Even in times of doubt, whenever the people of Muncie will see my work they will know they are loved.
Muncie is filled to the brim with tales that paint the city with beautiful energy. Even in the early hours of the morning, on a Wednesday turned Thursday morning, turning the corner in Muncie will always lead to amazing opportunities if you look at it right. My piece is inspired by that energy.
Bio: Hi! My name is Gracie Smith, I'm a pisces, I've been interested in art all 14 years of my life, and I've lived all 14 in Muncie. I love bright, intense, and vivid pieces. I am also in love with using 70's retro and futuristic themes.
I am motivated to create by my beautiful LGBTQ+ community, my 3 older sisters, and Ball State campus. Never a dull moment. Living in the unparalleled energy and unique environment that Muncie has is something that brings so much comfort to me, and I want to push people to embrace those exciting opportunities the city brings to you.
Going into my freshmen year, I plan on sharing my art through drawing, painting, writing, and more, around the world to continue to spread the messages of Black Lives Matter and human rights. I want to move people out of their fear and into love. And I always welcome new friends on the journey! You can find me @zoaple on Instagram and Tiktok!
