Vicki Smith: Luminous Waterscapes and Meditative Art

A person is floating serenely on their back in a clear body of water, surrounded by vibrant green lily pads and reflections of the surrounding nature. — Vicki Smith, One and the Same, 40 X 36 in., Oil on Canvas

Toronto based artist Vicki Smith invites viewers into a contemplative world where stillness, presence, and self-awareness emerge through her luminous waterscapes and floating figures.

A person wearing a red dress floats in a pool, surrounded by reflections of greenery and blue sky. — Peace and Plants, 54 X 48 in., Oil on Canvas

Works in her solo exhibition at Bau-Xi Vancouver are rooted in the belief that painting is a form of meditation. The paintings offer “a quiet refuge from the noise of everyday life, encouraging a deeper connection to the present moment and the possibility of inner calm,” notes for the exhibition say.

A person floating on their back in a serene body of water, surrounded by reflections of greenery and rocks beneath the surface. — Flow, 40 X 48 in., Oil on Canvas

Known for her ability to capture the complexity of water, Smith works in many under-layers of paint to achieve effects of depth and movement. She expertly captures the shifting surface of water, its reflections, distortions, and depth, creating a sense of movement that feels both fluid and suspended in time- Bau-Xi gallery.

A swimmer in a colorful swimsuit floats calmly in clear water, surrounded by rocky terrain. Sunlight creates reflections and ripples on the water's surface. — Larger Than Life, 60 X 54 in., Oil on Canvas

Smith became known for her paintings of female figures which explored the effects and limitations of gravity. Often suspended in dark air, twisted and upside down, falling into and out of the picture plane, the figures could be so precariously placed upon the canvas that they threatened to slip away.

Learn more about Vicki Smith on her artist page at Bau-Xi Gallery.

Vicki Smith’s website here.