Artist Statement: Artbeat is a visual and musical exploration of how creativity is vital to our well-being. The design begins with stark black-and-white lines resembling an EKG, representing the heartbeat of life and the fundamental rhythm of music. These lines gradually blossom into soft curves and subtle color, eventually flowing into vibrant, swirling patterns that fill the negative space, mirroring how engagement with the arts transforms us, promotes mental and physical health, and brings color and energy to our daily lives. By connecting visual rhythm, color, and movement, Artbeat celebrates the power of music and the arts to make us feel alive, inspired, and connected.
Maria Smith is a freelance artist with over 30 years of experience creating hospital art, public murals, and residential and commercial projects. A former Sing for Hope Piano Artist, her work also includes public art initiatives with the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Furniture Bank, and Georgia Institute of Technology. She splits her time between the Atlanta area and Florida, where she is the Founder and Art Director of The Artmaking Space, a community art studio and outreach program offering welcoming, process-based art experiences that foster creativity, connection, and well-being. Her practice centers on using art as a tool for connection, well-being, and community engagement.
