PROCTORVILLE — The fantasy and abstract world of Kentucky artist Lisa Smith is the latest show at the Ohio University Southern Proctorville Center.

“Non objective art, abstract, that to me is very freeing,” Smith said. “I have actually grown with it. It took me to another direction and allows me to experiment.”

It proves a good balance to the other genre Smith likes to explore — fantasy art that she creates through multiple, intertwining elements.

“I am very much a detailed person,” she said. “I have some work that is extremely detailed. Some times it is good to get a way from that. At first, it was hard to do, but by doing it I feel freer. It allows me to express myself more.”

Smith grew up keeping art journals and took a few art classes while in college. But life got in the way of her art and she stopped. Three or four years ago, much from the encouragement of friends, she has gone back to creating.”

Her fantasy work gets much of its inspiration from the work of J.R.R. Tolkein.

“I love the imagination that can go into it,” Smith said. “Other realms and creating them. Different people, places and time. I like the adventure of it.”

The 29 pieces in the Proctorville show were created over the past five years, all done in colored ink.

“You can still water it down and it comes in beautiful colors,” she said. “I want the people who come to the show to see it like reading an adventure, to see my work and feel like they are going to another place.”

The exhibit continues at OUS Proctorville through Nov. 14. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.