You should know Carl “Dingbat” Smith. When Pittsburgh’s Crawford Grill was filled with pieces by local African American artists, his mixed media metal sculptures were among the finest works displayed. Dingbat’s most recognizable works were forms created with nails. The amazing sculptures took on color naturally. Each nail in each sculpture was chosen by Dingbat for its representation of a precise moment in the oxidation process. The obvious reference to make when speaking of Dingbat’s work is comparison to NKonde Nail Fetish crafted by the Boma people of African to bring harmony and weaken evil spirits. Discussing the creative process, Dingbat once said, “We are all born creative beings and it’s always a struggle to bring it out once we have to cope with the outside world.” Perhaps the sculptures offered him and the Hill District’s community of artists, a similar solace.
Tags: africa, artist, carl dingbat smith, crawford grill, hill district, nail art, Pittsburgh, Sculpture