D.G. Smalling facts for kids

D.G. Smalling is an American artist known for his amazing one-line drawings. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. His art often shows his Native American heritage. What makes his art special is that he draws each picture with a single, continuous line, without lifting his pen from the paper!

Early Life and Travels

D.G. Smalling grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. He also lived in other countries like Switzerland, Cameroon, and South Africa. Seeing so many different cultures helped shape his ideas about art and the world.

Smalling remembers his time in Switzerland as very important. He went to a special school there where art and poetry were part of every day. He learned to memorize poems and spent time painting and sculpting. He felt this year changed his life the most.

Education

After finishing high school in South Africa, Smalling came back to Oklahoma. He went to the University of Oklahoma. There, he studied political science, which is about how governments work.

How D.G. Smalling Creates Art

Smalling uses a special way to make his art. Every single piece, no matter how big or small, is drawn with one continuous line. He never lifts his pen until the drawing is finished.

Art and Choctaw Heritage

This unique style connects to his Choctaw background. Traditionally, Choctaw art often uses simple, clean designs. Smalling sees his modern art tools as a way to continue this cultural tradition.

His Art Philosophy

Smalling has a motto for his art: "think thoroughly, mark once." This means he plans his drawings very carefully before he starts. He wants his art to be precise and thoughtful.

He likes to focus on positive ideas and beauty in his work. He avoids dark or sad themes. Smalling believes that art should inspire people. He wants his art to remind everyone to celebrate what is beautiful, simple, and innocent in the world.

Famous Works and Projects

D.G. Smalling has drawn many important portraits. These include former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. He also drew T. Boone Pickens, a famous businessman, and Barry Switzer, a well-known football coach.

Smalling has also worked on big art projects for public spaces and companies. Recently, he teamed up with APMEX for a special series about the Asian Zodiac. He also worked with FanDuel on a project for the National Native American Hall of Fame. Other collaborations include Emser Tile and Incredible Technologies. He has also worked with the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma.

Art Shows and Exhibitions

Smalling's art has been shown all over the world. Some of his notable exhibitions include:

• Operation Lady Justice: The Visage of Modern Matriarchy at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
• Ikbi: Choctaw and Chickasaw Southeastern Cultural Art also at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
• Salon du Dessin et da la Peinture à l’Eau at the Grand Palais in Paris, France.
• The State of Oklahoma Centennial Show at Disney World's Epcot theme park.

Awards and Special Recognitions

D.G. Smalling's art is well-known for its unique style and its cultural importance. He was chosen as a Choctaw Nation Master Artist. He has also been part of many projects that highlight Native American heritage and their contributions to modern art.