Did you know that Michael Smither set a remarkable record for the most expensive painting ever sold by a living New Zealand artist? The Altbays Table Talk has the honour to chat with one of the most prolific and talented NZ artists of all times. We bring the legendary visual artist Roimata Taimana to join Leo on this korero; how spoiled are we? Join our live stream and send Mr Smither a question! Watch it here now!
ALTBAYS Table Talk 206 – Michael Smither (NZ Painter/Composer)
Welcome to the Altbays Table Talk (Feat. Roimata Taimana and Leo Magri)
Michael Duncan Smither CNZM (NZ Order of Merit) 83 years old, is a prominent New Zealand painter and composer. He was educated at New Plymouth Boys' High School and Elam School of Fine Arts, Auckland, where he discovered his affinity for lacquer-based paints.
Throughout his career, Smither has worked in various media, including oils, acrylics, and screenprints. His art often focuses on domestic life and landscapes, particularly the Taranaki region where he grew up. Notable works like "The Family in the Van" and "Rocks with Mountain" have become iconic pieces in New Zealand's art scene.
Mr Smither is highly dedicated to his craft. He is a prolific artist who also produced screenprints with his father in the past. His paintings are known for their representational, hard-edged style, evolving over the years to pay meticulous attention to detail.
Apart from being an accomplished artist, Smither is the patron of the community art gallery "Real Tart" in New Plymouth.
In 2019, Smither achieved record-breaking auction results, with his painting "Sea Wall and Kingfisher" selling for $342,000 and "Saint Francis and the Wolf" selling for $240,000.
It is a pleasure for the Altbays Table Talk family to have Michael Smither for a chat where he shares his artistic journey, creative inspirations, and the stories behind his acclaimed works.
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