Rising Stars: Meet Connie Smith

Hi Connie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been able to find beauty in pretty much anything. I’ve had an eye for art since I was a little girl. I could sit for hours and color a whole coloring book and I loved to paint. I was creative and always thought outside the box. I didn’t think much of it I just thought of it as something to do to pass time. Until one day, when my older sister came to pick me up from school. My teacher had asked us to draw something or someone that we thought was beautiful. Mines was chosen to hang in the classroom. I remember her saying to my sister “she’s really good in art” and she went on to show her other pieces that I had hanging in the classroom and outside of the classroom. From then on, I thought I would do a little extra and really take my time on my pieces because my teacher thought I rocked! I would always pay attention to everyone’s reaction when I would finish an art project. Honestly, I never seen myself as an artist. When I became older, I use to find myself drawing, writing, painting, and even crafting as a way to relax. I became totally lost in whatever I was creating. I’ve always seen myself becoming a business owner. But life happened and I ended up working in the medical field and focusing on raising my daughters. Years later, I met my husband and transitioned to part-time work. Shortly after, I was able to transition fully toward my passion of art and start my business. I finally had something that I was passionate about and loved to do. It’s interesting how Divine Xpressions Art and Company really came about. I was drawn to art wall hangings/paintings from local surrounding environments. And now I have my paintings featured/hanging in a local restaurant, Tadard’s Kitchen located in Overland Park, Kansas.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of the challenges I had faced was finding ways to actually promote my work in-person. I’ve been able to participate in some local art shows and farmers markets. But plan to expand as more opportunities become available.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I mainly specialize in Resin artwork. Resin is a product that I mix together that gives a glass finish. I mix it with powder pigments and/or acrylic paints. With resin being pretty expensive, some artists may paint their pieces first and cover it with resin. Because my pieces are full resin, that results in a heavier quality piece. I also specialize in geode painting which is where raw and positive energy stones come into place.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I like to watch YouTube, I find it very informative. One thing about this craft you never stop learning and I’ve created a few of my own techniques that I find to be pretty amazing as well. I also attend online classes with a well-known, highly respected artist with company AGA Art Studio based in Canada.

Pricing:

• Bigger pieces usually range as high as $4,000
• Smaller pieces can range from $180 to $2,500

Contact Info:

• Email: conniedivinexpressions@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.divinexpressionsartcompany.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Artist/Divine-Xpressions-Art-Company-101443591462464/

• Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/divinexpressionsaco/?hl=en