Leah Smithson is a Los Angeles based artist using both traditional (paint, ceramic sculptures) and new media ( i.e. digital installations, virtual, augmented, and extended realities) to explore the human condition using portraits that mirror an emotional state or frame of mind, rather than the likeness of a person. In her recent work she’s been using avatars as a tool to explore these narratives even further.  The reason is because our online profiles, or avatars, are in a sense a reflection of us. But the interesting difference between our reflection in a mirror and our digital reflection is that our digital counterparts can lead separate lives, detached from our own, such as when our images are used in memes. She’s been interviewed and had her work featured in a variety of print and digital magazines including the LA Times. She's also exhibited throughout the US and abroad including the award-winning outdoor digital art exhibition Luminex, as well as collaborated with brands and tech giants, such as Apple, in public art installations. 
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SELECTED PUBLICATIONS AND HONORS
Channing and Leah Smithson, Vessel: Art as a Doorway Podcast, “Our Love Letter to You: Our Response to COVID-19,” April 5, 2020 

Industry Magazine, “Rose Poses,” May 30, 2018

Mary Logan Bikoff, Atlanta Magazine, “Clay Time: 9 Georgia-made ceramics we love,” April 2017

Ketria Garner-Chambers, Style of Business Podcast, “Leah Smithson of Talon & The Suneaters,” January 2017

Mary Logan Bikoff, Atlanta Magazine, “Atlanta artist Leah Smithson creates whimsical jewelry based on her surrealist paintings,” February 2017

Berta Amelinaite, “Have You Ever Wondered What Goes On In An Artist’s Head?” Modern Nothings (Blog), November 18, 2016. http://modernnothings.com/interview-leah-smithson/

The Hedonist Magazine (Blog), “LEAH SMITHSON’S Interview | Art As A Fresh Perspective: TALON AND THE SUNEATERS”, October 26, 2016. https://www.thehedonistmagazine.com/2016/10/26/leah-smithsons-interview-art-as-a-fresh-perspective-talon-and-the-suneaters/

Brecken Branstrator, National Jeweler, "Is Art Jewelry Poised to Take Off?"

Amy Carabba, CBS Good Morning Sacramento, Wearable Art, July 20, 2014

Sergey Kireev of Tribe Magazine, "Gallery Friends," Alberta Gallery, April 6, 2013.
http://sergeykireev.com/AlbertaGallery/friends.html

Damon Youmans ,"Artist Bio," DY Magazine, access Date: January/February 2011.
http://issuu.com/damonyoumans/docs/dy_mag_janfeb_this_one_for_print_export_2

Sane, "Leah Smithson, Splashing in the Bay Area," Gallops, Finds, and Tales (Blog) Tuesday,
March 15, 2011. http://saneartworksblog.blogspot.com

Maia Sylba, "Leah Smithson Evoking Emotions," Musetouch (Blog) Tuesday, October 10, 2010.
http://musetouch.net/blog/2010/10/28/leah-smitson-evoking-emotions/