Jori Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jori Smith
|
|
|---|---|
Self-portrait, 1945
|
|
| Born |
Marjorie Elizabeth Thurston Smith
January 1, 1907 Montreal, Canada
|
| Died | November 12, 2005 (aged 98) Montreal, Canada
|
| Education | Art Association of Montreal, École des beaux-arts de Montréal |
| Known for | Painter |
| Spouse(s) | Jean Palardy |
Marjorie "Jori" Smith (born January 1, 1907 – died November 25, 2005) was an important Canadian artist. She helped start the modern art movement in Canada in the 1930s. Jori was also a founding member of the Contemporary Arts Society in 1939. She was recognized for her contributions to art, becoming a member of the Order of Canada and the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
Contents
Jori Smith: A Canadian Artist
Her Early Life and Art Training
Jori Smith was born in Montreal, Canada, on January 1, 1907. She began her art studies at the Art Association of Montreal. There, she learned from a teacher named Randolph Hewton. Later, she continued her studies at the École des beaux-arts de Montréal.
In 1938, Jori made history by becoming the only woman member of the Eastern Group of Painters. She was well-known for her beautiful landscapes. She also painted many portraits of children. These paintings were often created in the Charlevoix county area during the 1930s and 1940s.
Life in Baie Saint-Paul
In 1930, Jori Smith married Jean Palardy. He was also an artist, as well as a filmmaker and an expert in antiques. For much of the next ten years, Jori and Jean lived in the Baie Saint-Paul area.
During this time, Jori became good friends with important people. These included the writer Gabrielle Roy and the expert on culture, Marius Barbeau. These friendships helped shape her artistic journey.
Becoming a Modern Art Leader
Jori Smith was a founding member of the Contemporary Arts Society. This group was very important for modern art in Canada. Her artworks were often shown in exhibitions at the Art Association of Montreal.
In 1998, Jori published a book called Charlevoix County, 1930. This book was based on her early memories. It shared stories about the people she painted in rural Quebec during the 1930s. The book was even nominated for two awards: the QSPELL Mavis Gallant Prize and the First Book Prize.
Awards and Later Years
Jori Smith received special honors for her work. In 2002, she was made a member of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest awards a Canadian can receive. She also became a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
Jori Smith passed away in Montreal on November 25, 2005.
Her Art Lives On
Jori Smith's artworks are kept in many important museums. These include the National Gallery of Canada, which has her painting "The Communicant." This painting comes from her many years spent at Petite Rivière St Francois.
Her art can also be found at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal and the Library and Archives Canada also have collections of her work. This means her art continues to be seen and studied by many people today.
Her Published Work
- Charlevoix County, 1930 ISBN: 0-921254-83-0 (Penumbra Press; 1998)
