Shirley Smith
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
The textures and colours of collected stones, pebbles and rock formations inform my current work. Using traditional hand building techniques and a variety of clays I construct complementary ranges of tactile vessels whose surfaces reflect the smooth and the weatherworn. Experimental use of slips and glazes create finishes that range from highly polished to cracked and crazed. The unpredictability of smoke firing, obvara and horsehair raku are used for their ability to give subtle and unique markings. Monochromatic colours unify the pieces into a cohesive collection.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
I graduated from Hereford College of Arts with a BA in Design Crafts, specialising in ceramics and small metals. I set up my first studio practise as a jeweller in Bristol. Moving back to Hereford three years later I became an active member of Alloy Jewellers Group, making full use of their workshop at the Courtyard Centre for the Arts.
As a jeweller I have exhibited and sold throughout the UK. My galleries have included Ruthin Craft Centre, Kath Libbert @ Salts Mill, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and Leeds City Art Gallery. Closer to home I have a display of work in Mike Gell Contemporary Jewellery.
Four years ago I became a member of a local ceramic studio and began working with clay again. Since joining I have developed a cohesive body of work and am in the process of building up selling outlets. Locally Oxenham Art in Leominster and it’s sister gallery in Hereford permanently carry my work. Further afield I have work in the Old Bank Gallery in Bath and Bluestone in Hay-on-Wye.
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
2024 - h-Art prize winner. Exhibiting at the Old Mayors Parlour. Church St.
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
Bluestone Gallery, Hay-on-Wye.
Courtyard Theatre, Retail Gallery, Hereford.
Old Bank Gallery, Bath.
Ruthin, Denbighshire.
Oxenham Gallery, Hereford and Leominster.