The Art Of Adaptability- A VC Talk From Ali Smith

Image Credits: Ali Smith, Unknown

Thumbnail Design: Bethany Hutchison

Ali Smith is a photographer who has shot for the likes of The Guardian, The Observer, New Review and The New York Times. In addition to her impressive list of clientele Ali Smith has published two photography books titled ‘Laws of The Bandit Queens’ and ‘Momma Love: How the Mother Half Lives’. Alongside a memoir titled ‘The Ballad of Speedball Baby’. Smith’s work focuses on themes of gender inequality and her work has been published internationally. Smith has recently emigrated from New York to Norwich and was invited to Norwich University Of The Arts to discuss her extensive career.

Ali Smith. Image Credit: Unknown

Ali Smith is said to be a self-proclaimed ‘shapeshifter’ having worked in both music, photography and writing. Throughout her talk Smith highlighted the importance of being open to change stating that as individual’s our journey may end differently than how we initially anticipate. Smith states that a journey involves questioning, rejection and self-doubt which is one of the ‘wonderful aspects of being a creative’. As an individual I have already experienced a lot of change in regard to my career plans (as evidenced within my blog post ‘Where Can My Creative Learning Experience Take Me In The Future? A Brief Summery’.) and have had to deal with rejection. However, I don’t find the process of rejection easy. I hope to become more adaptable to this notion as I continue my studies at university in order to change my perspective in regard to the notion. Instead seeing it as an opportunity for growth and development rather than a rejection of my creativity as a whole. Whilst at university I have realised that I often stick to ‘safe’ ideas when responding to a project as opposed to taking risks and going against the grain. I hope that as my creative learning experience continues, I can attempt to step away from this box of security and attempt to be more of a risk taker. After all, rejection is a natural part of the creative process and it is imperative that I begin to experience this notion so that I am able to tackle the feelings which run alongside it in a healthy manner once I enter the industry. Whilst working for The Guardian Smith covered controversial topics such as gun violence, medical marijuana and women’s rights however, there were many times when Smith pitched her controversial ideas to the corporation and was met with rejection. Smith is testament that even the best creatives experience and adapt to rejection and that rejection can, in fact, strengthen ones creative practise.

Smith’s father was a musician. From an early age Smith was snuck onto stage and thus introduced to the music world leading her to emerge within the New York Punk sphere in the 90’s. Her mother was a nurse at the NYU hospital which was next to the New York University (where Smith attended). Whilst at university Smith studied Visual Arts. This is when the individual found, and latched onto, photography. Merging her love for photography and music Smith began to photograph musicians/ bands for their

promotional posters and album covers. From here Smith then transitioned into joining her own band (Speedball Baby) where the group released albums and toured legendary New York clubs. Whilst touring Smith began to document her tour life via photography. However, as one of the only women within her band and crew, Smith began to feel isolated and ‘shutdown’ and decided she no longer wanted to continue being a member of the band. Here Smith placed her happiness before her success which is incredibly admirable. I acknowledge that, at times, the fashion industry and those within it can be brutal and I hope that I too, much like Smith, can prioritise my own wellbeing and happiness if the industry begins to become too suffocating

Image Credit: Ali Smith

Ali Smith playing for Speedball Baby. Image Credits: Lynda Cohen

Smith’s varied employability profile is partly as a result of her spontaneous manner. Whilst feeling discontented within Speedball Baby Smith was interviewed by the American actress and comedian Janeane Garofalo where she stated, without prior consideration, that she was writing and photographing a book about inspirational women in which she would like Garofalo to feature. This book became a major success moving away from the patriarchal, misogynistic society in which she had become accustomed to. The publication interviewed the likes of Alice Walker and was highlighted on Oprah Winfrey’s TV station which subsequently bought exposure to Smith and presented her with more opportunities.  

Although I believe that it is important to somewhat plan an idea before you pitch it and/or progress into the production process I very often find myself hyper fixating and overanalysing on incredibly small inconsequential aspects of a prospective idea. Smith teaches me that even the most basic, undeveloped and spontaneous ideas can be successful with the right work, effort and dedication applied to them. I hope that as I continue my creative learning journey and progress into industry that I too can build self confidence around my ideas in order to cut down the extensive preparatory stages. This issue is a matter of self-confidence however, I hope that as I develop as a creative and form my own specific style I can increase my confidence and, as a result, become a passionate and somewhat spontaneous thinker!

Image Credits: Ali Smith

Smith also highlights the importance of keeping yourself open and ready for opportunities. For example, Smith obtained contacts to the publishing house Harper Collins from a bartender. From these contacts she then began to shoot book covers for the publishing house. In addition to obtaining contacts from Harper Collins, Smith obtained contacts from The Guardian after she overheard a man speaking to his girlfriend, an individual who worked for The Guardian, on the phone whilst she was getting her laptop fixed. From here Smith then started shooting for The Guardian. Smith exemplifies that there are truly networking opportunities everywhere you go. As I continue to grow, I hope that I too can become a confident individual when networking opportunities arise as having contacts is vital within the competitive creative industry! In order to refine my confidence, I hope to attend more networking events in second and third year of university alongside seeking cross-course collaborations.

An image captured by Smith (age 19) which has since gained recognition from the likes of 'The Village Voice'

Smith ended her presentation by urging us to allow our work to fester and slowly develop a meaning as we follow our journeys. She highlighted the importance of connection not only with yourself, but with your work, the subject and the world. Alongside the importance of value within the context of both yourself and your work (Norwich University Of The Arts, 2024).

Overall, Ali Smith’s Vice Chancellor talk was incredibly interesting and insightful. Smith teaches me that my career plans can continue to ebb, flow and develop as I too, as an individual, develop. As my creative learning journey continues, I look forward to seeing the ways in which the experiences will change, and subsequently redirect me, as an individual.

Bibliography

Norwich University Of The Arts (2024) Vice-Chancellor's Talks: Ali Smith, 14 March 2024. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8r8fqQxPoI (Accessed: 15.05.24)