Meet Paul Bacardi Smith of Indiana

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Bacardi Smith.

Hi Paul Bacardi , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My start as a professional oil painter started in 2023. I went through the cliché story of losing my job and being dumped in a span of three weeks. I was ok with the breaking up part but the fact that my livelihood and means to support myself was in jeopardy. Although I had some money and assets tucked away it was the mental anguish of being dismissed. I held my self to a certain standard and was very upset about not leaving the former job on my own terms. I was very angry and felt betrayed. At the time my mother, my big sister and close friend knew my situation. My sister Sherron suggested that I should make art like i did when we were kids. She said that she always loved watching me draw and create art. I followed her advice and started painting on canvas for the first time. My first year I painted with acrylics and immediately switched to oil the following year. Once I began painting I campaigned for myself with people who were in the art world. I attended the second installment of one of the biggest fine art fairs in Indiana, “Butter”. Butter is an equitable art fair that offers black artists the opportunity to showcase their work for free. After a few years, I got the opportunity to participate in Butter 5 in 2025. Butter 5 was a success for me. I sold two pieces on opening night and created a buzz for myself in the art world. Prior to participating in Butter I had already started a series of works called WATERMELANIN ®️.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road yet but I am grateful for the lessons that come with being an entrepreneur in the art world. The biggest challenges are support. Social and financial support do not mirror one another. As much praise and appreciation I get it doesn’t motivate people buy my work sometimes. I’m constantly working on improving my offerings as well as sharpening my skills. I think over time more people will grow to understand and appreciate art.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a visual artist that specializes in oil painting. I do portrait, landscape, realism, abstract and surrealisms. I’m most known for my WATERMELANIN ®️series. WATERMELANIN ®️is an ongoing project that focuses on the black diaspora that relates to our struggles as well as our triumphs. Artistically I use the negative stereotypes and connotations that come with black people and watermelon.

I’m most proud of my family being able to see me in my element. My late Uncle Vernard, a master artist who was my mentor gave me his blessing before he passed.. I’m also proud of being in serval art shows like Butter 5, the ERA, Gallery 317, and both “House” and “Barn” Art Exhibitions by Blaxkwolff in Indianapolis..

What sets me apart from other people is my Detroit upbringing, curiosity and culture rich background. I lived in Switzerland and traveled around the world at a young age and was exposed to fine art long before I became a professional artist. I have the ability to create thought provoking art as well as bold ideas.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to those starting out is to start where you are and work with what you have. Don’t get caught up overthinking things. Go with your instincts, take as many risks early on. Be prepared to fail but don’t let it deter you. Align yourself with others who have similar goals and aspirations. Be patient. Save as much money as possible so that you can fund yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paulbacardismith.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/paulbacardismith