RodneySmithArt.com

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Stay updated on Rodney’s Art career by clicking here.

Download statement.doc

Download resume .doc

Statement

I performed home repairs on the south side of Monroe, Louisiana for my parent’s real-estate company during the summer of 2008. Though I often spent time in Monroe, probably would have never ventured into this neighborhood if it were not for my job assignment on South Third Street. I quickly became friends with the locals. The interaction, styles, pace of life, and family structure were remarkably different than what I experienced 45 minutes away in my small hometown of Winnsboro. This neighborhood in Monroe was almost exclusively African American, while my neighborhood was the exact opposite. These new relationships, as well as existing friendships with coworkers and fellow students at Louisiana Tech University, inspired me to look into this community to understand firsthand their unfamiliar way of life.

I began my search by conversing casually with strangers on the street in order to defuse rumors about my identity and prevent people from viewing me simply as, “the landlord’s kid.” While the residents guessed I was working as an undercover narcotics agent, the police presumed I was working for the drug dealers and consequently asked me a lot of questions. The cops eventually left me alone after telling me to be careful. I try to avoid the police if I can because it is such a hassle.

It is obvious to the locals I do not belong to the neighborhood. Conversely, many of the locals express a strong sense of belonging in the form of hand signs and tattoos. They proudly represent their people and community as if it is built directly into their identity. The lines of family are hard for me to perceive because the parental figures often call so many children and grandchildren their own. It took several visits to grasp who belonged to whom since this street-wide, multi-generational family structure was unlike my own. One mother told me, “You would be my boy if you lived here too.” I now have a clear understanding that the term family in this neighborhood specifies location more than a genetic relation.

Some people excitedly welcome my presence hoping my camera might bring them fame. I return later to give them prints to show gratitude for allowing me to photograph them. This is a special event because sometimes my portraits are the only photographs they have of themselves. These new friends have protected, guided, and treated me as one of their own during my pursuit of greater understanding. I am proud to say my consistent communication and return has led to camaraderie between us. It is an honor to be trusted with the responsibility to represent this community.

Some images simply observe daily activities, such as preparing dinner. Others portray the direct confrontation I encounter when initially building relationships. I have noticed a trend in the way people chose to be seen. While setting up my camera, an eye-to-eye pensive expression is offered to me. Often the sitter returns to laughing and smiling instantly after the image is made. This frozen moment allows viewers to place themselves in my shoes to understand the interaction I have with my subjects. My hope is to stimulate viewers to converse about their own experiences and presumptions regarding communities in their area. I also challenge viewers to meet people of various races, income levels, faiths and upbringings with an open mind.

I am currently seeking more opportunities to share the 16 – 15 x 23″ hang-ready images and accompanying audio series. I love to engage audiences in the public speaking format as I share my story as I pursue a greater understanding of this local yet foreign culture.