While savoring the act of painting, Smith’s process also references the gesture of serving. The act of serving a meal or a cup of tea now applies to family, friends, and loved ones, but through her paintings extends to the viewer as well. In the title work of the exhibition, Four Forks and Four Plates, 2022 a stack of four gold and teal-rimmed plates rest on a beige surface. Two forks are on top of the stack and two forks rest next to the plates as if waiting to be set out on the table in preparation for dinner, or possibly dessert. The soft cast of daylight reflects from the tongs of the forks and extends an almost lavender-hued shadow off the side of the china. The softness of Smith’s brushwork alludes to the effortless nature of setting down the plates and knives on the table, almost as if a second-nature movement. While the skill of Smith’s brushwork and the process of setting a table are not instinctive acts, but instead the result of years of practice, attention to detail and refinement, Carrie Mae Smith’s works allow the viewer to surrender to her process and relish in the moment of reflection and anticipation. Pictured: Carrie Mae Smith Gold Rimmed Teacups and Saucers in Jonathan’s China Cupboard 2022 Oil on Mylar mounted on panel 11h x 8w inches 27.94h x 20.32w cm #carrmaesmith (at Lowell Ryan Projects) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpk8haivkdf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
