David Scott Smith
monster
ARTIST STATEMENT
I have always enjoyed making monsters for fun. My 7-year-old son, Randall, enjoys making monsters with equal enthusiasm. I don’t think I have ever experienced a greater joy than creating art with my wonderful child. When he is older he may not want to spend time with me, and so every minute we are together in the studio making pottery, or drawing, or in the woods exploring – these are the most significant events of my artistic career. This has been the best part of my adult life.
My brother died a couple of years ago…he had become a monster before he died. He was a horrible alcoholic and killed a girlfriend when they were both high because she complained about his breath. He died in prison from cirrhosis of the liver. The last time I saw him alive was actually in Baton Rouge-- he flew down for my show at the Baton Rouge Gallery -- and the first night I threw him out of our hotel room because he was so drunk and disgusting. I regret a lot of things about that night. At least now he visits me in my dreams, and in my dreams he’s a young man again, and still beautiful and strong with a loving heart.
For the last several years I have been going through a horrific divorce, and what has surprised me the most throughout all of this is that the person I loved and trusted has depicted me as the worst kind of person, over money and child custody. I’ve been called a monster many, many times. For years I have felt like a monster. I’ve been told that I’m a freak, and unworthy of love. For years I have questioned my value as a husband, my abilities as a father, my whole sense of self-worth.
Many nights I entertained evil fantasies of retribution and revenge. Every night I thought of my beautiful brother, and where his choices led him astray. Even at the worst moments of my life, art has reminded me of who I am. Every time, art has taken me by the hand, and led me back to who I am – usually that hand is my son Randall’s hand. Art is my power. It is my salvation. And yes, I joyfully create monsters.
This will be my last solo exhibition at the Baton Rouge Gallery. I love this gallery, and the folks who work here. I have been a member for about a decade, and my exhibitions here have been the highlights of those years. Without this gallery, I don’t think I would have developed as an artist, and I will continue to support the BRG gallery any way that I can. Thank you Baton Rouge Gallery!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
David Scott Smith received his B.A. in English from Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA) and his M.F.A in Ceramics from Louisiana State University. He has exhibited nationally and has received many grants for both his work and collaborative interdisciplinary projects. His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Sonny Kamm Teapot Foundation and Southeastern Louisiana State University. Smith is currently completing a mold-making book (Voodoo Mold-Making); his work has also been featured in Pottery Making Illustrated and Ceramics Monthly.
This exhibition is presented alongside the latest works from Randell Henry and John Isiah Walton. All works from these artists are on view, free of charge, during regular gallery hours (12 - 6 p.m., Tue - Sun) from May 29 - Jun 24, 2026.