BARRY SMITH - MAKER & RE-MAKER
From a young age I have loved using my hands to make and repair stuff.
Hammering and forming metal was a natural step for me and I found that the metal I was drawn to was rusted or patinated. The joyful outcome from this was that instead of buying new metal I could upcycle salvaged metal and objects.
Almost all of the materials in my work have had previous lives: from silver-plated trays; from old washing coppers; brass and rusted metal wherever an interesting piece catches my eye; and timber salvaged from fallen trees or recycling yards.
I asked myself how my interest in nature, stillness and peace could find expression in my metal work. Soon leaf forms, giving bowls, personal and portable shrines, peace leaves, tiny metal books and small table-top sculptures emerged in my practice.
Fiona has been a big influence in my art life. She has always endeavoured to put words and meaning into her art. Her love of words inspired me to include words in my art – stamping and etching words into the metal. Words have found their way onto inspirational leaves, peace pendants, post sculptures, and artists' books. Most of the words are about peace, kindness, compassion, stillness, joy, nature and equality.
Many of my jewellery pieces are simply small sculptures made from offcuts of metal and found and gifted materials. In keeping with my desire to recycle I keep precious small pieces of silver-plated brass and copper and melt them down to create new pieces like my heart series.
My sculptural posts are inspired by a Japanese aesthetic and my sculpture Bending takes the leaf form and copper patina into the landscape. My large public sculpture Buttress Root really takes my interest in the environment, leaves and trees to a larger scale. The use of etched aluminium in my sculptural pieces resulted from seeing the beauty in etched aluminium I was taught as part of a print making workshop.
My more recent involvement in letterpress is another natural bringing together of threads: Fiona’s inspiration regarding words and content; my commitment to people, nature and social justice; and the love of hands on old technology including antique presses, and vintage metal and wood type.
If I was asked, “did you set out to be a metal worker, a sculpture and a letterpress person?” I would have to say no. I have progressively discovered, revelled in and allowed these art forms to become part of who I am and what I do.
They are part of me – the maker and re-maker.
