Universal appeal: artist Cedric Smith is cooking up demand for positive images of African Americans in art

Art Business News, Jan, 2004 by Jenny Sherman

His success is also due to his collectors, most of whom are white. But that fact doesn't seem to matter to him. "What I want to happen is to be accepted as a universal [artist]," Smith said, noting how it chaffs him a bit to hear the label "African-American artist" or work by black artists described as "ethnic."

Still, he hopes that his imagery will resonate with black audiences. "There are so many negative, stereotypical portrayals of blacks [in the media]," he said. "As a kid, if I had had more positive imagery in front of me, maybe I could have envisioned art as a career for me." It's a goal of his to provide those positive images for others in his art. Smith educates through more than his images, however. "I go to schools and talk to kids about what being an artist is," he said, "and not just that, but being a black artist" He also completed an artist-in-residence program in Charlotte, N.C., where he did an outreach program with local children.

His other goals include traveling to glean more ideas for artistic images, incorporating functional lights into his pieces and showing people of all races in his art. He also wants to expand on his culinary skills by learning how to bake. "People say, 'Baking!?!'" Smith said with a laugh, explaining how his friends at first didn't comprehend his interest in cooking, but learned by his example. "Now my friends have started collecting art and have started to cook. It's an educational thing. The more it's placed in your face, the more you eventually get it. I'm seeing more and more people who do."

For more information, call Eclectic Connection Fine Art Gallery at (908) 222-7632, call linage Conscious at 800-532-2333, or visit www.cedricsmith.com.