BELLA SMITH

A Letter to the Wind, 2023

Video installation, 03:15 minutes

Bella Smith uses heavily symbolic films as a medium to create a dramatic visual and narrative that explores the themes of depression, hope, and faith with a particular focus on the bride of Christ as a focal point. Smith's film is influenced by and created in conversation with the melodramatic films of the 1950's coined "women's weepies". Her sculptures from the film serve as a meditation on material value in the scope of the eternal. Bella's work involves writing, directing, editing, cinematography, set design, set building, and costuming. Special acknowledgement is given to Analise Avila, Madison Smith, Michael Chino, Maria Bernal, and Anisha Patil for their contributions to the project.