June 12, 2006

LIFE AS ART: Rhythm, rowing and sculpture

By Lance Pugh
Tidings Correspondent

Sweeping oars, propelled by toned muscles, leave swirling puddles of energy across Emigrant Lake east of Ashland. Resting quietly below the blue surface is the once-important town of Klamath Junction, drowned when the reservoir was created.

The sun breaks its first rays over the Cascades and into the Rogue Valley, lighting the oarswoman’s suntanned face. While most are nosing their first hint of morning coffee, Pegi Smith emotes steam as she strokes across the lake and into its many fingers.

Boats and oars get lighter as building materials advance, yet we are left with the same body that has propelled us across water for millenia. The mix of the two, body and boat, creates a punch of primal power and a graceful glide over the surface. The water records the passage with a small wake and a muted splash at each swipe of the blades.

“When I’m rowing alone in the calm of the morning I feel connected to nature in a way that is difficult to explain,” says Smith, “though it has everything to do with rhythm.”

When on dry land, Smith can be found at home in the Colestin Valley or visiting friends in the galleries of Ashland, where she seems to know everyone. Her art is shown at the Living Gallery here, Medford’s Rogue Gallery and many others in southern Oregon and Northern California.

TOP: PEGI SMITH APPROACHES the dock at Emigrant Lake. ABOVE: PEGI SMITH. BELOW: SMITH SAYS ROWING ALONE on Emigrant Lake makes her feel connected to nature. Lance Pugh | For the Tidings

Smith was born in Canada to Austrian parents, not learning English until she was five years old. She later moved to Denver with her parents. Her father was an artist and painter when they settled in the Mile High City.

She took her first sculpting class in high school in the 1970’s and her first piece was taken to an art show by her teacher. Over the years, Smith has moved through several stages in her work and now makes large sculpted female forms which evoke feelings of primeval femininity.

Besides working in the visual arts, Smith expresses herself in music. She began playing the violin at age 10 and quickly learned to play classical, rock, blues, jazz and some bluegrass. In the past she has played in bluegrass bands and concert situations, but now is focused mainly on her artwork and rowing.

“I express myself through my hands, whether it’s sculpting, painting, playing my violin or rowing,” says Smith. “I see it in my mind and, one way or another, it surfaces.” Creative energy seems to flow through her, to influence everything and everyone she touches as she dances through life.

At the end of her workout Smith pulls along side of the dock and prepares to pull herself, then her shell, out of the still waters of the lake. With quiet determination she hoists her composite boat, grabs the oars and walks back to the boathouse.