“The Great White Bear” – The first one of the edition is being delivered to The Sculpture Park near Farnham in April

It is planned to be in the Sotheby’s Art Auction.

There might also be one of the edition at Chelsea Flower Show if available.

Here is a very recent photograph of a new large outdoor sculpture in the making.  This photo is of the finished clay

original in my studio before moulding and casting as a limited edition of 12.  In case you were wondering, the piece

is five feet 11 inches tall.  There will be just a few chances to see it during the Summer before it forms the centrepiece

of my solo show in Cambridge in October ’13.

Paul Smith          12 March 2013

Regular visitors to my website will notice some big changes – a fresh new look to the site and  lots of new content too.

I am currently working towards a solo show at Cambridge Contemporary Art in October 2013.

I have promised new large outdoor sculptures, paintings and drawings, as well as my more familiar ceramic sculptures.

I am always searching for new ways of expressing myself creatively so this is a real chance to try new things and

have fun.  If you like what you see here, keep checking back during the year, as I will be updating the website and the

blog regularly, with sneak previews of the latest ideas and new artworks as they are finished.

Paul Smith       11th March 2013

• ARTIST STATEMENT
• STUDIO VISITS
• REVIEWS
• WORKING METHODS
• CV

I am a full time artist, making ceramic figurative sculptures in my studio on the edge of the Peak District National Park. The images I make are dream-like and contemplative, designed to create a feeling of a reality where peaceful co-existence is possible between us and nature. The style is bold and semi-abstract with graceful sweeping curves and simplified details.

In my work I play with the conventions of fairytales and fables, often turning the stories on their heads and twisting them. Goldilocks has made peace with the bears and Red Riding Hood has grown up to be a confident femme fatale who entrances the Wolf. There are many ‘first-nation’ stories of a time when beasts could talk and the world was one, not divided into the human/animal worlds.

I am interested in our perception of the animal kingdom, told through fairytale and fable, art, books and film, rather than realistic depiction. A big influence on my work has been Angela Carter who wrote several short stories and novels on the theme of fairytales, “The Company of Wolves” and “The Bloody Chamber” being among the most famous. She tells tales of transformation, wonder and strangeness but, however dark the stories are, there is, more often than not, a redemptive ending. I use children’s stories as the vehicle to explore, in terms of adult-oriented concerns, the universal themes raised; love and jealousy, duplicity and trust.

My work is solidly rooted in the figurative tradition. Of all the artists of the past I particularly admire the work of Elie Nadelman. A Polish-born sculptor working in the earlier part of the last century, he was innovative in his wonderful sense of fluid line and form, influenced by American folk art.

• ARTIST STATEMENT
• STUDIO VISITS
• REVIEWS
• WORKING METHODS
• CV

I have a spacious well lit ceramics studio situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park with views of the surrounding Derbyshire fields and hills.

Studio visits are most welcome, and can be arranged by booking an appointment with me.

Please ring 07972 792481 or email me to arrange a visit. ]]> http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/studio-visits/feed/ 0 http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/reviews/ http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/reviews/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:50:46 +0000 admin http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/?p=151

• ARTIST STATEMENT
• STUDIO VISITS
• REVIEWS
• WORKING METHODS
• CV

2010 February – Figurines-Sculpture.com

“British clay artist Paul Smith takes ancient myths and tales, some of which are as old or older than ceramics itself, and weaves them into wonderful and amusing pieces of fine art.

In my opinion I think Paul’s work really stands out. Elsewhere on this site I have written more about Smith and how he fits into the big picture .Personally, my favourite clay artist is UK sculptor Paul Smith. He is not a studio potter, but produces one off clay art pieces.They are based on european folk tales as old as the hills and he uses an art form (ceramics) which is older than the hills.I find them stunning, amusing, simple, telling and beautiful” Peter Holland www.figurines-sculpture.com

2007 June – Cambridge Contemporary Art
‘Telling Tales’ – 2 person show with painter Nicola Slattery

“At a time when so much contemporary art is meaningless, self absorbed, visually dull, it is a joy to see the work of Paul Smith and Nicola Slattery. They celebrate a largeness of spirit, an innocence and a delight in the infinite possibilities of being human. This is magical art, pure, humorous and strong.” Sister Wendy Beckett

2004 September – Ceramic Review
Full review of Cambridge Solo Show. Also reviews in Cambridge Evening News and Arts East
“Paul Smith’s art is firmly rooted in the figurative tradition but at the same time goes well beyond representation”
Dr Alan Borg CBE FSA Director of Victoria & Albert Museum (1995-2001)

2002 May – Kensington Times
Pictures and text regarding work at Chelsea Art Fair

“I particularly liked Feathered Friends by Paul Smith. It manages to be both sensual and funny” Nadia Warner

2001 August – Derby Evening Telegraph
Full Review of Buxton Solo Show

“Few recent solo exhibitors have so completely established a presence at this venue as Paul Smith. It would be difficult to remain indifferent to this show. The most singular distinguishing characteristic is the sculptor’s advanced plastic vocabulary”
John Fineran Derby Evening Telegraph

2001 > Numerous Magazines & Newspapers…
…have carried images of my work including: Country Living, Country Life, The Guardian, BBC Homes & Antiques, Ceramic Review. ]]> http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/reviews/feed/ 0 http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/working-methods/ http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/working-methods/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:50:14 +0000 admin http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/?p=143

• ARTIST STATEMENT
• STUDIO VISITS
• REVIEWS
• WORKING METHODS
• CV

My hand built clay sculptures are unique, hand-built one-offs. Using a system of rods developed by , I freely build the figures, removing the supports once the clay can withstand its own weight.

I have adapted Ian’s technique by incorporating a solid ‘back-iron’ support. These working methods allow for free and spontaneous variations on a particular theme, each piece being subtly different from its predecessor.

I sponge-decorate my work with oxides, stains and glazes. All my sculptures are individually signed and dated.

2 – Hand Carved Clay

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 discovered a new method of “hand-carving” clay, which I am excited by, and very much enjoying. 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 to interfere with the surface as little as possible 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 very similar pieces if required although they will never be identical.

Paul Smith January 2012 ]]> http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/working-methods/feed/ 0 http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/cv-2/ http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/cv-2/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:30:48 +0000 admin http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/?p=141

• ARTIST STATEMENT
• STUDIO VISITS
• REVIEWS
• WORKING METHODS
• CV

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2013 Oct Cambridge Contemporary Art – “Heavenly Creatures”
2010 Sep Cambridge Contemporary Art – “Supernature”
2004 June Cambridge Contemporary Art – “if you go down to the woods today”
2001 July Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, Derbyshire – “Animalism”

SMALL-GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2007 June Cambridge Contemporary Art – “Telling Tales” – 2 person show with painter Nicola Slattery
1999 May Ashbourne Gallery, Derbyshire – 2 Man Show

ART FAIRS
1999-2008 Glasgow Art Fair – with the Lost Gallery (April)
2000-2013 Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Park, London (with the Lost Gallery and then Hayloft Contemporary)
2008-2013 Affordable Art Fair, Bristol (with Hayloft Contemporary)
April 2013 Chelsea Art Fair (with Hayloft Contemporary)

ARTS FESTIVALS
2013 May Chelsea Flower Show (www.thesculpturepark.com)
2011-2013 Hay on Wye Festival (with the Bowie Gallery)
2009-2010 British Craft Trade Fair, Harrogate
2008 July Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (RHS)
2006-2012 Wirksworth Festival, Derbyshire (September)
2008-2010 Art in Action, Ireland
2000-2013 Potfest in the Park, Cumbria (July) – (except 2005)
2000-2008 Art in Clay, Hatfield House, Herts (August)
2004 June Earth and Fire, Rufford, Notts
2003-2004 Gouda, Netherlands (May)
2002 May Swalmen and Milsbeek, Netherlands

AWARDS
2000 Aug The Derbyshire Prize at the Derbyshire Open
2004 Nov Highly Commended in the Zelli Porcelain Award ]]> http://www.paulsmithceramics.co.uk/cv-2/feed/ 0