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STATEMENT

In 1952, when I started a serious study of art, I became very interested in the German Expressionistic prints and woodcuts movements an also the paintings because, of the raw power and also the African influences. I became especially interested in Otto Dix as he had done 50 etchings depicting the horror's of the first World War. 

In 1964, during the height of the civil rights movement, I began to think of doing something of a similar nature. My situation at the time was one of a precarious nature as I had a atelier but little or no funds. Struggling to buy paint and canvas was my main occupation, hense doing sketches of jazz musicians and selling them in the clubs around town became one of my occupations. In 1965, my situation had improved to the point where I started working on the "series". I did (8) eight etchings and then I got caught up in the passion of painting. With what funds I had painting and drawing took up all my time and I didn't get back to making prints until 1971. My initial goal of doing a portfolio like Otto Dix never materialized because in 1974 I switched from the civil right movement to the African Motif, which is completely different. I finally saw Otto Dix's [[strike-through]] etchings [[/strike-through]] portfolio of fifty prints several years ago at the New York Public Library on 42nd street. 

Vincent D. Smith
April 17, 1994

This is for the eight etching in the portfolio which will be on a wall by itself