Constructed Contents #11

Welcome to the precise and magical world of Shelley Smolen!

“When I first discovered her geometric collages, I was mesmerized by their sublime colors and construction and knew I had experienced something special. These pieces are truly transformative in person, where you enjoy the nuance of pattern and texture.”-thMTHRshp Gallery Director, Liz Jordan.

Shelley created this collage in 2023.  Hand drawn/painted paper and wood veneer.

In her own words:

“I make my artwork by piecing together small sections of my drawings, paintings, wood scraps, and even my daughters doodles.  The patchwork quality in quilting, marquetry and similar crafts has always appealed to me aesthetically and I love the challenge of using forgotten or unwanted remnants.  Conceptually, I enjoy upcycling or elevating overlooked scraps into a new work of art.  It has also become a fun tradition in our family art studio for my daughters to make ‘pieces for mommy’ and I love finding where to best incorporate them in my collages.

My art requires a lot of time and patience as I puzzle handmade pieces together, creating both non-objective and representational imagery.”

Artist Biography:

Shelley Smolen is a Houston-based artist who specializes in intricate collages using various materials including: drawings, wood veneer, painted paper, and various ephemera. Shelley holds an MFA from the University of North Texas and has created numerous commissions.  Shelley works full time as an art educator and has three young daughters, including twins.

Please Note: Shipping is included in your purchase.

A Note on Transparency: thMTHRshp We Love our Artists Policy:
All of our artists receive 70% of the final sale of their work, versus 50% or less in a traditional gallery. They receive 85% on private commissions managed by our gallery. When you buy art from thMTHRshp, you are supporting our artists, their families, and their important work. Come aboard.

Please contact us for commission inquiries at LJ@mthrshpgallery.com