Kevin Smigel

Artist Statement

Art has become both a creative outlet and a way to remain hopeful as I navigate life with a rare blood cancer. While my diagnosis has undoubtedly shaped my perspective, I don't see my work as being about illness. Instead, it is about curiosity, resilience, and the joy of discovering beauty through experimentation. I create abstract mixed media artwork by combining a variety of techniques and materials in unexpected ways. My process often includes painting, gel plate transfers, suminagashi marbling, original photography, and collage. I enjoy layering textures, patterns, and images until they begin to reveal new relationships and stories. Each piece evolves organically, embracing chance alongside intention. The unpredictability of the process reminds me that even uncertainty can produce something meaningful. Creating art gives me moments where I can focus on possibility instead of limitation. It encourages me to stay present, to explore, and to celebrate small discoveries. Every layer represents a choice, every mark an opportunity to transform something ordinary into something unexpected. That spirit of transformation mirrors the optimism I try to carry with me throughout treatment. If my work resonates with others, I hope it invites them to pause, look closely, and find their own meaning within the layers. Abstract art creates space for personal interpretation, allowing each viewer to bring their own experiences to the piece. To the scientists, clinicians, and researchers working to develop new cancer treatments: thank you. Your dedication creates hope not only through the therapies you develop but also through the lives those therapies make possible. Because of your work, people like me have the opportunity to continue creating, exploring, and sharing what we love with the world. This artwork is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the belief that even in uncertain times, beauty can emerge in unexpected places.