It was only when I got to high school and was in the art program that my artistic talent was recognized. The art program was directed by a wonderful and a very important person in my life - Charlotte Ranger, who was referred to as Mrs. Ranger. She had been teaching in the school for many years.
Paul SmithI was there [in school] the full time with one teacher, and the student body was never more than 10 or 12 students of all ages.
Paul SmithCharles Burchfield was exceptional. As such an accomplished artist, he had limited previous association with academia and teaching.
Paul SmithAt the end of the elementary program, I then had to move onto high school. Simultaneously, my parents moved to Attica to a suburban area not far from the well-known Attica State Prison. Then I would take the school bus which was a very short distance away, where I was involved with a much larger community.
Paul SmithI'm pleased to say that it [ a paper on the history of Attica] got much recognition with a 99 grade. It was shown to the Attica Historical Society, who enthusiastically responded to it and read it at one of their annual meetings resulting in an article in the local newspaper about this excellent paper being presented. As I now look back at it, I think of that as being really my first book and did indicate that I did have interest in research.
Paul SmithGreat stories happen all around you every day. At the time theyโre happening, you donโt think of them as stories. You probably donโt think about them at all. You experience them. You enjoy them. You learn from them. Youโre inspired by them. They only become stories if someone is wise enough to share them. Thatโs when a story is born.
Paul Smith