top of page

DEVIN SMITH

Devin Smith is an artist from Norwich's Heartsease area who has been fortunate enough to begin life with two amazing parents. Art became a natural part of her life, ingrained in her upbringing as a way to escape and find joy in the creative process. She fondly recalls watching her dad draw, transforming newspaper celebrities into comical characters, turning footballers into tribes, or politicians into animals. His knack for transforming reality into something magical deeply inspired her. Losing her dad as a young teenager was a significant hardship for Devin. Out of love, she took on the responsibility of caring for her mum, who was also battling her own demons. Watching someone so close transform due to these struggles deeply influenced her understanding of mental health and its ability to change individuals. This personal experience has shaped her artistic journey, motivating her to explore and express the complexities of mental health through her work. Devin holds an MA in Fine Art. Besides collaborating with her mum, she has worked closely with individuals who have faced challenges like homelessness and addiction. A notable project was with her friend Dan, who experienced homelessness and addiction. Together, they explored small art projects to help him reflect on himself and identify what he wanted from the work. Their work became a form of intervention, addressing the challenges he was facing at that time. Her artistic style includes realistic oil painting and collaborative methods through mixed media, installations, and photojournalism. In her heartfelt practice, Devin works alongside individuals in socially, economically, or emotionally disempowered positions. While she engages in this work when possible, she is currently using her painting skills for live wedding painting and commissions. Through her art, Devin hopes to break down the stigma attached to people experiencing mental health challenges. She believes that by fostering empathy and encouraging meaningful conversations, her work can create a bridge between marginalized communities and the broader public to inspire social change.

gallery

bottom of page