Annie Smith (BEd, CFA)

Visual Artist

Hello, I’m Annie and I’d like to personally welcome you to my website.  From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved creating — whether it was drawing, coloring, or crafting. By my 20s, I had discovered a passion for fabric arts and quilting, teaching myself along the way. My formal art education didn’t begin until later in life, when I pursued a teaching degree after my children were grown. By minoring in art, I was able to refine my skills and eventually share my love for art as a Middle School teacher. One of my favorite joys was helping students discover their creativity, especially through book arts, a medium that holds a special place in my heart.

While teaching, I continued to grow as an artist by taking courses through the University of Alberta Extension. I explored drawing, watercolor, and soft pastels, and my graduating project beautifully combined my love of drawing and book art. In June 2018, I proudly earned my Certificate of Fine Arts with distinction.

Now, I live and work on beautiful Pender Island, BC, with my husband, Don. Surrounded by breathtaking nature and a vibrant community of artists, I feel so grateful to continue exploring and sharing the joy of art every day.

Thank you so much for visiting! I’m truly grateful for your interest in my work. Please feel free to explore and peruse the pieces I’ve created — each one reflects my passion and joy for the creative process. I hope they bring you as much inspiration and delight as they’ve brought me in making them.

Exhibitions

I’m grateful to have had my work featured in various exhibitions, each an opportunity to share my passion for art and connect with others.

Highlights include Foundations in Victoria, BC, a collaboration with Andrea Spalding, and How We Heal in Newburyport, MA, an invitational show exploring art as a means of transformation. Locally, my work has been showcased at Facets and Behind the Scene at Sea Star Winery on Pender Island.

Internationally, my pieces were included in Art of the Book, a juried show by the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild, and closer to home, the Sidney Fine Arts Show 2019 in Sidney, BC. A particularly meaningful moment was my solo exhibition, Bound Together: The Book and I, in Edmonton, AB.

You can also often find my work at The Gallery on Pender Island, a wonderful space celebrating the creativity of our local artist community. Each exhibition has been an enriching experience, and I’m so thankful for the support and inspiration I’ve found along the way.

Commissions

I warmly welcome commissions and would be delighted to collaborate with you to create a piece that holds personal meaning and reflects your unique vision. Whether you’re looking for a custom artwork, a one-of-a-kind book, or something entirely original, I would be happy to bring your ideas to life.

Each commission is a deeply collaborative process, where we work together to ensure the final piece is exactly what you envision. Prices vary depending on the complexity, materials, and size of the project.

If you’re interested in commissioning a piece or discussing ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to creating something truly special for you!

Explore My Online Collections

Discover a curated selection of my artwork, showcasing a range of mediums and inspirations. From intricate book art to expressive drawings and fabric creations, these pieces reflect my artistic journey and passion for creativity. Take a moment to browse and connect with the stories behind each work. Thank you for exploring!

Book Arts

This series pairs portraits with washi artist books, exploring the changing nature of books and storytelling. Ancient materials...

Boxes

Inspired by the tradition of book boxes, I create treasure boxes with secret drawers and spaces for cherished items. Each piece...

Portrait Book Arts

This series pairs portraits with artist books, exploring the changing role of books in modern life. Crafted with washi paper, t...

Portraits

Capturing moments of vulnerability, my portraits reflect an intimate connection with each subject.

Washi Screens

Created for a 2019 show at Sea Star Winery, this series of hanging washi screens explores what is hidden and revealed.

Watercolours

Fascinated by rocks since childhood, I find endless inspiration in their colors, textures, and shapes. Living on a rocky island...