Painting a Life One Brush Stroke at a Time

Pamela Smilow’s art is as vibrant and unconventional as the life she’s led. Raised in the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonia community in Pleasantville, New York. she grew up immersed in a world where design and nature harmonized. With a mid-century modern furniture designer for a father, Pam’s creative foundation was built early, inspiring her to paint her own path in the art world. She shares how her art, deeply influenced by nature and memory, continues to bring joy and connection to people worldwide. She’ll teach with us at The Ranch the week of February 22.
Scott: I read your father was a mid-century modern furniture designer.
Pam: Yes, that’s right. He was a designer, not a maker. He didn’t construct the pieces himself but focused on creating modern designs. He had six stores up and down the East Coast selling his designs, and people would walk into his store, and he would say, lay down on this bed, sit in this chair. He wanted people to experience the good things in life, whatever they were, whether it was his furniture or food.
Scott: Beyond your art, you also give presentations. Can you tell me more about those?
Pam: Certainly. I’ve given a presentation at Rancho La Puerta several times and will do it again in February. It’s titled Frank Lloyd Wright: My Art and Me. The talk delves into my upbringing, the social and aesthetic aspects of living in that community, and how those experiences shaped my unconventional career. I’ve made a living as an artist without following traditional methods, like relying solely on gallery representation.
Scott: You’ve carved out a unique path. How did you navigate the art world without focusing on galleries?
Pam: It was a practical decision. My late husband, Danish artist Gert Mathiesen, and I were both artists, and we realized early on that the traditional model wasn’t sustainable for us. We worked on unstretched canvases, which made our work more mobile and cost-effective. An old friend suggested hosting shows in her rebuilt home after the Oakland-Berkeley fire 1991. This evolved into the “Tupperware model”—intimate art shows in people’s homes. It allowed us to build direct relationships with buyers, which is a big part of why our work resonated.
Scott: That’s an innovative approach. Some artists might shy away from non-traditional methods or not know how to begin.
Pam: Yes, there can be snobbery in the art world. But I’ve always been anti-snob. I focus on creating art that enriches people’s lives and brings joy. Growing up in the Frank Lloyd Wright community instilled in me a belief that art and design should contribute to well-being. I see a room as an extension of my palette—a space for uplift and joy.
Scott: Speaking of your work, how has it evolved over the years?
Pam: I’ve always worked intuitively. I admire raw and unfiltered art, like children’s or outsider art. My process is less about thinking and more about feeling. I also work in series, so each piece is a step in a more extensive journey.

Scott: Do you work on multiple pieces at once?
Pam: Yes. Working on several pieces allows me to keep the flow going. If one piece isn’t working, I shift to another. It’s all part of the practice.
Scott: Your paintings feature vibrant colors and layered textures. Despite living in Manhattan, your work feels more connected to nature and memory. Can you talk about that?
Pam: I grew up surrounded by nature in a heavily wooded Frank Lloyd Wright community. Those experiences are deeply embedded in my work. While I live in Manhattan, I spend a lot of time in Maine, where I rent a small artist’s cottage overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. My time there—and my years living in Barcelona—has infused my work with elements of nature and a sense of place.
Scott: How do these influences manifest in your life beyond the canvas?
Pam: For me, art is about connection and sharing. My father was the same way, always inviting people to experience the good things in life. I strive to bring joy and inspiration into people’s lives, whether through my art, my blog, or my relationships. I’ve cultivated deep friendships over the years, and my art is another way of maintaining those connections.
Scott: You write a blog, Things We Love. Can you tell me more about it?
Pam: It’s a Sunday blog where I write about things that inspire me—music, movies, recipes, memories. It’s a way to share my passions and hopefully introduce others to things they might not have considered. Writing it has brought me so much joy.
Scott: Have you ever faced creative blocks, and how do you overcome them?
Pam: I’ve been fortunate not to experience many creative blocks. If I’m not feeling inspired, I shift to something else or pick a different medium. Art is a practice—you just keep going. Working on various sizes and scales helps, too.
Scott: How do you decide when a painting is finished?
Pam: It’s intuitive. I usually let pieces sit for a while before calling them done. Distance helps me see them more clearly.
Scott: Lastly, if you had to describe your art in three words, what would they be?
Pam: Inspirational, whimsical, and joyful.
Scott: Beautiful words. Thank you for sharing your story.
Pam: Thank you, Scott. I’ve enjoyed this so much. I appreciate your interest in my journey.
Join Pamela the week of February 22 at Rancho La Puerta to explore your creativity and tell your colorful story. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply curious about the process, her sessions promise to be as vibrant and uplifting as the art she creates.