Paul Smith Sculptures

NEW CERAMICS 'HAND-CARVED CLAYS' SUMMER 2011

2011-07-20T07:31:00.019+01:00

My usual method of hand-building clay sculptures is to add “wet” clay to the general shape and keep building outwards. Just recently I have been using a new method of “hand-carving” clay, which I find exciting and very much enjoyable. It grew out of a desire to make small clay sculptures that were very bold and graphic, their simplicity lending them a power which belies their small size. Inspired by Folk art and Inuit carvings (mixed in with my love for the work of Matisse and other 20th century masters), they use the language of simple lines and planes. I start by drawing out the basic outline on to a thick, rolled out sheet of clay, which I allow to go leatherhard. I use knives and sharp blades to cut into and scrape away at the resistant, but still soft, clay. It is akin to carving in wood, but is much quicker and more immediate. Every mark of the tools is left on the surface – it is like a history of the making process. I prefer not to interfere with the surface once the design has been achieved, keeping it fresh and vital. Pieces can also be joined together with slip to add a base or other elements. These hand-carved clay sculptures are all unique one-offs but I can produce similar pieces if required although they will never be identical.

This new work will be shown for the first time at the two shows below:

29– 31 July Potfest in the Park
Hutton-in-the-forest, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 9TH

www.potfest.co.uk

5 – 7 August Art in Clay (17th National Pottery and Ceramics Festival)
Hatfield House, Hertfordshire AL9 5NQ

www.artinclay.co.uk

Paul Smith July 2011

Supernature

2010-10-05T11:07:00.004+01:00

My Solo Show at Cambridge Contemporary Art has been well received so far. The bright and uncluttered gallery space really shows my work to its best advantage. A few days to go so get there if you can. The show ends on Sunday 10th October at 4pm.

Thank you to all those that have attended the show and to all those who have bought sculptures and watercolours. Also I would like to thank the following for their help and advice in the preparations for the show:

Lucy Gell, Helen Brocklehurst, Zoe Badger, Martin Norman, Andy Bernhardt, Sue Walker and Lindsey Wakefield.

FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR SOLO SHOW

2010-09-05T10:49:00.003+01:00

One week to go before I deliver all the work to Cambridge Contemporary Art for my Solo Show "Supernature" (16th September to 10th October). This new piece is "Flat Pack Wolf Pack" and
is an edition of 6 in stainless steel.
I have been working hard all Summer for this show and I am really looking forward to seeing it all together and well presented in the gallery. Alongside my hand-built ceramics and limited edition sculptures I will be showing pen, ink and watercolour paintings and lino-cut prints.
I have really enjoyed exploring this new side to my work and it will really make for a complete exhibition. Most of the new work will be on my website by 16th September. There will be around 130 artworks to see in the gallery, not all of which will be on the website, so if you can get to see the show in person I am sure you will enjoy it.

Potfest-in-the-Park

2010-07-24T18:08:00.005+01:00

Potfest-in-the-Park is next weekend (last weekend in July - see Shows page on my website)and loads of new work is coming out of the kiln.
I am trying out a new looser, more sketchy style and I am really enjoying it. Deliberately leaving tool marks and the evidence of making on the surface of the clay is certainly freeing up my work.
Lets hope for good weather in the Lake District as it is always such a great event - my favourite of the year.
Hope to see you there

New work now on website

2010-04-02T13:10:00.005+01:00

Launch of 11 new pieces at The British Craft Trade Fair
I am pleased to say that my new range of limited edition sculptures are ready in time for the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate 11th,12th,and13th of April. They are available to view on my website now (New for 2010).
They range in price from £65 up to £2,225 on my website so I hope there is something for everyone. The launch of some of these new pieces to the general public will be at the Affordable Art Fair in Bristol (showing with The Hayloft Gallery 13th - 16th May). I hope you like them.

First Public Artwork Installed

2010-03-06T17:27:00.005Z

On the 4th March I installed my Bearhug relief sculpture at Ashfield Infant School in Workington, Cumbria. Thank you to the Headteacher Mrs Pat Smith (no relation) and Deputy Head Mrs Pauline Ives for asking me to make the artwork.
Whilst there I ran workshops with the very lively and enthusiastic children. Some of the results they came up with in clay truly astonished me. I also took the opportunity whilst in Cumbria to indulge my other passion, hill-walking. My friend Rob and I ascended Robinson (a fell in the North Western Lake district). The weather was exceptionally clear, with lots of snow on the tops. All in all, a successful and fun trip.

NEW work for 2010 now live on new website

2010-02-27T19:05:00.005Z

My new work for 2010 is now live on the new website. I will adding new pieces to this area during the year so check back.

New Website Live Today!

2010-02-26T14:59:00.005Z

I am pleased to announce that my new website has gone live today, hope you like it.

It has all the features of the old site plus some new ones. I hope you will enjoy looking through my work and finding out a about me and my work.