Art In The Capitol:

Norma Randi Smith

A Self-Guided Tour Running Through August 2022

An indigenous artist from Down East Maine, Norma “Randi” Smith is a member of the Passamaquoddy tribe and is a child of the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes of North Dakota. With lineage from both tribal regions comes a rich cultural history that keeps Norma busy, as she delves into family trees and learns about her ancestors. From here she paints what she draws inspiration from, which also includes profound dreams, ideas and impressions. In addition to heritage, Norma also likes to convey the beauty of the world around her, recreating those favorite places she has visited among her journeys of outdoor adventures in the beautiful state of Maine. It is also from

this privilege of freedom to live life the way one chooses, in her particular case of being an artist, managing a homestead with her husband and animals, raising and processing their own food, having worked in the food service industry, exploring and participating in nature and life that Maine has to offer as well as life experiences that shape Norma’s artistic motivations.

 To find out more information of Norma’s current artistic endeavors check out her website at randismithpaints.com where you can find her artwork for sale, including prints of paintings here, and consult for commissioned artwork.

You can also follow her on her Instagram @emerald_forests for current artwork posts and snippets of life.

See the full gallery HERE>

Poor Wolf, Older

An original artwork. Poor Wolf, a representation of my indgenous Hidatsa ancestor on the cusp of a different time. A survivor of small pox, and a witness to many change within his community, traditions, and the world around him. A bold and strong focal point on learning and connecting with one's ancestor through the use of ethereal energies and intentions. The portal through which he appears, employs sigils as the link and connection, saying: "I focus on ancestors; connecting, healing through heritage.” A surreal feel.

The Protectors And Guides

Based on a profound dream during a time of self doubt, uncertainty, and feeling lost on my path in life. In what felt like an “everyday is exactly the same” scenario, at an unexpected moment, out of the corner of my eye, a double set of swing doors fly open to reveal an envoy of dancers. It was a strong woman and strong man in traditional regalia with a group of ancestral support behind them. They were fluid in their movements, sure of themselves, but provided a gentle nudge of guidance that everything was going to be fine and I was where I was supposed to be. A sign of strong medicine, as the male dancer represents a soldier dog from the tribes out west, who were known as protectors of their people, and to see him, meant I was going to be ok. The female dances in her jingle dress adorned with elk teeth, a belt with a tail, and a turkey feather fan. Jingle dress dancing has been used as a form of strong medicine for when family members are in need of prayers and help. They are placed in a bronze spiral to denote the portal from which they came, set amongst my thematic sigils, with the intention: I focus on my ancestors, connecting, healing through heritage. Oil on canvas, 36”x48”