Voices Discovered: Palmer Linwood Smith

Artist Palmer Linwood Smith from High Point, NC stands in front of one of his pieces

Palmer Linwood Smith

While the modern art that High Point resident and global artist, Linwood, creates is incredible, (he was recently featured within the Thayer Coggin showroom at 2019 Spring Market), there is a story behind the artwork, a name behind the signature, and a man behind the canvas.

Meet Palmer Linwood Smith, the person behind the “brush-name” and art of Linwood. While he has dabbled in many creative pursuits through the years, fine art has always been important. And in the last year, Palmer found himself returning to what he deems, “his first love:” painting.

“ has become my singular passion, and more specifically the abstract modern movement,” Palmer says. “Collectors say they admire my use of color, bold brush strokes and innovative mixed media on canvas. I want to engage the viewer with my art. All are invited to find meaning in the work. That said, an overall theme of beauty born of chaos is a Linwood signature. Joy is an omnipresent theme. I am happily based in High Point, but my art can be found all over the world – from Emerywood to Asia.”

Lucky for us, we had the opportunity to hear the story behind the art that Palmer creates, and find out just how individualistic and creative this talented artist truly is!

Palmer Linwood Smith, the talented artist behind the art of Linwood is pictured above.

A quote by Palmer Smith

Q. How did you wind up in the art world?

A. There was no “winding up.” The world of art and design picked me!

Q. How did you get to your current position?

A. Easy. I appointed myself chairman of the board and principal creative of Linwood Art.

Q. What is on the horizon for you?

A. Can you check back with me in a few months when I’ll have some significant beans to spill?? There IS something new in the works, and you’ll be the first to know. How’s that for a cliffhanger?

Palmer sits on his couch holding a paint brush with his teeth.

Linwood is a master of mixed media, unifying disparate materials, including acrylic, oil pastel, pencil and even found objects collaged on the canvas. | ZoZo Photography

Q. What type of career would you have in an alternate universe?

A. You’ll find me in the garden. I would be the proprietor of an organic flower farm.

Q. What do you wish you knew when first starting that you know now?

A. To worry less and trust that good things happen in time.

Palmer Smith sits with his dogs on the couch.

Palmer Smith | Photo by ZoZo Photography

Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A. I’m horribly shy (and I hide it well).

Q. What motivates you / what inspires you?

A. Art, nature, a well-stamped passport and plans for the next adventure.

Q. What gives you the biggest satisfaction in life?

A. Calling something done, fini! And then moving on to the next thing.

Linwood, a modern abstract artist with art that’s been shown worldwide, who resides right here in High Point. | ZoZo Photography

Q. Best career advice you have ever received?

A. Forget fashion and embrace art. Fashion expires. Art endures.

Q. What is your proudest achievement to date?

A. The accomplishments I hold dearest are always going to be about people, relationships. So easily, it’s a 15-year-plus partnership with David Ebbetts.

Q. Favorite book (business or pleasure)?

A. Business AND pleasure (is there a difference?). It’s Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Q. Best vacation you have taken?

A. The best vacation is always the NEXT one. I love to travel … and to come home.

Q. Where will find you on a Sunday afternoon?

A. This time of year, poolside with a glass of white Bordeaux and the latest Elle Décor. Heaven!

Palmer Smith smiles as he holds a paint holder tray.

While Palmer Smith (and the art) challenges each viewer to find meaning in the work, a sense of beauty born of chaos echoes through the exhibit. Each piece is an original, signed by the artist, and available through selected galleries. | ZoZo Photography

Q. Your go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?

A. Spiked Palmer! It’s literally my signature drink, a mix of homemade iced tea and lemonade with a jigger of Dry Fly vodka.

Q. What makes you truly happy?

A. A ginger-walnut cake with lemon cream-cheese frosting from Dot and Pearl’s in High Point.

Q. As you know, HPU is right here with incredible students looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. What three pieces of advice would you give them?

A.

  1. Dream BIG.
  2. Shore up the dreaming with serious study (you’re at the right place: HPU).
  3. Seize this moment in time and explore North Carolina.

Palmer Smith sits on his couch with glasses on in High Point, NC

High Point Favorites

Q. What do you love about life in High Point?

A. I love High Point’s wonderful dual personality. Half of the year, it’s a small quiet city. The other half(ish), it’s the design capital of the world. I love (and need) both.

Q. What are some of your favorite activities in High Point?

A. SATURDAY is my favorite activity. Anything can happen if you’re open to it. Next, walks – preferably with the dogs. Lastly, I love the annual art festivals and community events. Follow this blog and you won’t miss a thing!

Q. Where do you like to grab a cup of coffee?

A. DeBeen is da bomb!

Q. Restaurant you can’t get enough of?

A. We are frequent patrons of bar dining at Blue Water Grille. The seared tuna appetizer is my go-to. Can I use this blog to start at “bring back the burger” campaign? It’s presently off the menu, and I’ve been in mourning.

Q. Local shop you think is doing everything right?

A. The Sherrod on Main. Great style and a great vibe.

Q. Where do you go to unplug?

A. To really unplug, I need to cross an ocean.

Q. Favorite place to grab a drink?

A. Favorite watering holes are Fixins’ on Main and Real Creations. Happily, I can walk to both.

Q. Excluding yours, what High Point company or business do you admire the most?

A. Lots of responses here, but top of mind: Red Egg, Modern History, Verellen and the Blue Restaurant Group.

Q. Where would you tell a first-time visitor to High Point to go and why?

A. Park your car, put on your Pumas and WALK. We’ve got great neighborhoods, museums, shops and restaurants. Don’t be surprised when locals say hello and chat you up. That’s how we roll.

To learn more about Palmer or get in touch, you can find him here:

Mailing address: P.O. Box 5383, High Point, NC 27262

Phone number: 678-592-6046

Website: linwoodart.com

Instagram handle(s): @linwoodart

Check out some of his art, and see where you can see his art displayed next! Make sure if you snap a picture or share, you tag with #linwoodart #livingwithlinwood. Thankful is an understatement for how we feel about having talented, artistic eyes like Palmer’s as part of our High Point Community. Our artists add color to our world!

Voices Discovered is a series where High Point Discovered asks questions to High Point business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their view. Consider it a peek into the heart and soul of our local businesses. We hope you will be inspired to investigate more. Past guests have included Debbie Maier and Evan and Heather Blackerby.

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