Artwork copyright Ken Smith. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Ken Smith. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Cheat Grass, 1993

Ken Smith
American (born 1950)

Location: Woodward Middle School, Bainbridge Island

About the Artwork

Cheat Grass is part of artist Ken Smith's "Flora" series that focuses on the simple forms found in local plants. He captures the essence of each plant by photographing it against a simple black background. Smith notes that "it was not the 'pretty' picture of a flower that interested me, but I found it was the natural shaping, untouched by humankind, that seemed to speak of my own naturalness and my connection to all natural things."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bainbridge Island School District.

About the Artist

Fine art photographer Ken Smith creates luminous still life and landscape photography. He lives and works in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains and his work is influenced by Washington's natural landscape.
In his own words, "I have discovered an old but current Japanese philosophy and way of living called "Wabi-Sabi" which contemplates naturalness, impermanence, incompleteness, and the imperfection of all things. This philosophy puts into words many of the feelings I have always known... The true essence and importance of art is that it causes the viewer to recall or question his own self. This is why art is a keystone in a healthy society."