Catherine Smith

Self-portrait in a Corset and Puffy Sleeves

archival print on paper

8 x 10 inches

2022

I have collected photographs for years, mostly old images of women in pants, before it became acceptable for us to wear these garments in public. I am always looking for examples of uncomfortable clothing and just found this from one the late 1890’s recently. The woman’s faint smile may have been genuine but I can only look at this image and feel pain. With a little help from photoshop, it has because a self-portrait.

Catesmithart

Catherine Smith

Porcelain Big Mac

Inspired by: Matt Siber, McDonalds

porcelain

8″ x 10″ x 4″

2024

Chinese culture gave the world porcelain. American culture gave the world the Big Mac. Matt Siber’s manipulated photograph of a so familiar McDonald’s sign, which appears to be floating in a radiant blue sky, critiques by asking the viewer to consume the graphics without the allure offered by hyper-yummy, corporately engineered, fast food. Whether we are employees, customers or critics, few of us have escaped internalizing multiple opinions about the company that employs the second-largest private workforce in the world. This piece is a reminder that we love and elevate so many things that are not so good for us.

@Catesmith.art