Lance Smith

Lance Smith, a self-taught artist from the Cherokee tribe in Northeastern Oklahoma, defies the absence of a mentor or formal art degree through a passion that has thrived since his childhood. The COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal period for Lance, prompting him to recognize the short nature of life and his calling to contribute more to his legacy. Three years since that defining moment, each stroke of paint on canvas reinforces his unwavering belief in his gift and calling.

For Lance, the essence of his artwork revolves around a single word—emotion. His creations aim to portray the nobility and strength inherent in the Native American community. He captures the resilience of Native American people, a resilience stemming from spirituality and their profound connection with nature. A recurrent theme in his pieces is the depiction of galaxies, a reference to his love for and fascination with the stars since he was a young boy.

While acrylic paint on canvas is his primary medium, Lance also engages in wood carving, specializing in memorializing late horses. The horses in the Lakota tribe, known as Horse Nation- where his wife hails from, symbolize community, strength, and diversity.

Lance expresses profound gratitude for his passion, which not only serves as an escape but also affords him the privilege of showcasing the beauty and nobility of Native American culture. The depth of passion and meaning within his works fuels his perseverance in the face of rejection.

Reflecting on his artistic journey, Lance advises artists through the story of his most memorable creation, "Unity." crafted with a mud knife during a maintenance call, the artwork spent a decade in his basement before being sold for $5,000. This experience taught him the importance of never concealing one's talents in the shadows. Looking back, Lance has no regrets about his decisions. Still, he acknowledges a wish for a more proactive approach to starting his business, including taking business courses and embracing social media marketing earlier in his career. He is thankful that marketing and selling his craft on social media has given him an opportunity to include his son Mercury, who is the social media manager.