Steven Powell Smith

Born in 1953 in Magna, Utah, Steven Powell Smith grew up in a creative household, where framed clippings of masterpieces by Picasso and Van Gogh adorned the walls. Encouraged from an early age, he found joy in school art projects and decorating everything from linoleum blocks to a high school VW Bus. While studying scenic design at the University of Utah, he began experimenting with gouache and created abstract works to fill his first apartment—often gifting them to visiting friends.

A career in theater followed, including international tours as a lighting designer and stage manager for renowned dance companies such as the Martha Graham Dance Company. After years in Salt Lake City and Long Beach, California—where he also taught and designed for the Orange County High School of the Arts—Steven eventually settled in the Pacific Northwest to focus full-time on painting.

ARTIST STATEMENTSteven’s work explores the interplay of color, form, and movement with a sense of whimsy and emotional depth. Each line and shape carries symbolic meaning—squiggles suggest introspection and connection, while bold, straight lines represent a force beyond understanding. Though often appearing deliberate, his process is rooted in intuition and spontaneity. Through painting, Steven seeks to uncover hidden aspects of the self and offer viewers an imaginative, original visual experience.