Made By Hand: Barry Smith

One of my favorite sayings is by Lewis Carroll: “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” I think it applies to so many situations in life. I guess it indicates that I am the sort of person who usually wants to have a bit of a plan and purpose in most things I do rather than just try things and see where they go. Yet at the same time other favorite concepts that I try to incorporate into my life are: be mindful, be in the moment and find balance. 

So when it comes to my art I guess, consciously or unconsciously, those four concepts merge to influence what I do.   I mostly start with a product in mind (knowing where I’m going). I don’t often sketch the piece but I have an image in my mind’s eye. I generally find myself creating pieces that have or carry meaning; or attempt to embed energy or messages as I create (mindful). I try not to be rigid in how the piece will end up - if along the way I see a direction I can take or an element that I can add; or I had have discussed options with Fiona about where I might be taking the work I often let that new element in (in the moment). So the final piece often has many of the characteristics of what I envisaged but also those that came with the flow (balance). 

The above probably indicates I am both a hands and head artist. I love the physical aspects of my making - beating, attaching, polishing etc; but I like my work to have the potential not only portray some aspect of beauty but also offer the opportunity for deeper meaning and messages.

http://www.barrysmithart.com

http://rustnstuff.blogspot.com

http://www.mainstreetgallery.com.au/artists/profile/barry-smith