Montrose, Minnesota woman uses extra time at home to recreate masterpieces
(Twitter)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - All of her life, Gina Smith has been interested in art. Now, instead of just appreciating it from afar, she is re-creating it in the comfort of her own home.
"It's a glimpse into what beauty was back then and what standards were and obviously what made a great piece of art," she explained.
Smith started re-making masterpieces after the Getty Museum put out a call for the public to re-stage a work of art using household objects back in March.
Since she has been working from home during the pandemic, Smith thought it would be a good creative outlet to dress up and model like the subject in this classic painting called "The Maid."
"It was of this maid like drinking and I was like that's how I feel right now during COVID," said Smith. "I'm stuck at home. I can't go anywhere. All we can do is drink right now."
Now, once a week, Smith strikes a pose, snaps a picture and posts it on social media, inspired by mostly European portraits from the 18th and 19th centuries.
But there are some modern touches like a cardboard cutout of former Minnesota Wild Nino Niederreiter's head on a stick instead of a fan or a chalkboard with “Justice for George Floyd” written on it that are clearly signs of the times.
"It's definitely not natural poses," she said. "It’s a challenge but I enjoy it."
Smith says it can be a meticulous process making sure her poses are just right. But fans of her work say the results are picture perfect.
"You feel a little dorky laying out here in these weird poses and weird put together clothing," said Smith. "But I have no problem laughing at myself and if my friends and family and co-workers enjoy it, I have no problem doing that."