Collaboration with my Grandfather

(my art + his frames)

My grandfather, Donald Jesse Smith, was a very talented woodworker and patternmaker. A true creative. He also served in the Navy, and was a highly regarded Fire Chief for 14 years. He was a family man with a big heart - my mother's father. Nana and Gramps lived in a beautiful home in the country, with a woodshop at the back of the property. Gramps spent much of his time in the shop crafting everything from horse buggies, to furniture, and smaller items like picture frames. I remember his shop vividly - the smell of fresh sawdust, endless tools scattered about, humming and searing sounds of the table saw and drill press, and sawdust particles dancing about in a stream of sunlight cast through the window. Gramps worked in his shop well into his 80's, and passed last year at the age of 100.

During a recent visit to the property, I gathered up all his handmade frames that once held photos, calendar prints, and Norman Rockwell plates. I wanted to give them a new purpose, but how? Eventually the vision appeared - I would remove the prints, glass, and plates, replace them with canvas, and paint them. And so a new collection was born... a limited edition Sarah & Gramps Collaboration. This collab is a juxtaposition of two talents, generations apart. I'm really proud of this heartfelt series, and I bet Gramps is too!

My Grandfather’s spirit will live on in each painting. If you feel called to acquire one of these special pieces, know that Gramps and I are both truly grateful.

Click images below to see close up, wall, and side photos for each piece.

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