Phil Smith experiments with cut paper, often echoing back to the likes of Keith Haring with his compositional and color choices. He does not go into the work with a structured plan, rather, he lets the shapes reveal themselves as he goes.

“The origin of my current work is based on my love of musical form. I fold paper to introduce a rhythmic cadence. I use color to create the mood of the piece. The shapes are like musical phrases and the cut out negative shapes are all improvisation. I want my work to be visual jazz. I want it to feel new every time it is viewed. I like that it is small, desk size. You can hang it on a wall or look up from your work to a quiet jazz quartet.”