Sovereignty Speaks #4
Sovereignty through Art
Mr. DG Smalling
Member of Choctaw Code Talkers Association Executive Board
Smalling's art has been portrayed in several exhibitions, including featured artist at Epcot Disney World: State of Oklahoma Centennial Show in 2007, Gran Palais "Salon du Dessin et de la Peinture á l' Eau" in Paris, France in 2011 and National Museum of the American Indian "Choctaw Codetalkers Celebration" in Washington DC in 2012.
In addition, Smalling has been commissioned to paint several portraits, including U.S. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, U.S. Congressman, Tm Colc; U.S. Deputy Attorney General, James Colc; T. Boone Pickens; Sir Tony Blair; former Prime Minister of the UK; and Baroness Emma Nicholson of Winterbourne, among many other notable dignitaries.
Smalling grew up in Idabel and Haworth, but then at age 8, he and his family packed up and left southeastern Oklahoma to do missionary work overseas. Together, they lived in Switzerland, Cameroon, and South Africa where he was continually influenced both politically and artistically by his travels and exposure to other cultures.
Smalling had always been subjected to some form of art during his childhood, but the influence in Europe was marked. Smalling recalls this time as "pivotal" in his artistic development.
After graduating high school in South Africa, while his parents continued their missionary work in numerous countries around the world, Smalling returned to the United States to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his degree in political science.