Now, let's talk about me

Am I a writer who paints, or a painter who writes? I was painting before I could write, but made my living as a journalist until leaving Fairfax Media in 2016 to combine my two loves.

However, art is a demanding mistress and she doesn't like to compete for my attention. Today I am a full-time painter and only spend time at the keyboard doing "back end administration" for my art career. Occasionally, I get struck by the muse in the shower and sneak in a bit of blogging or creative writing, just for fun.

These days, my work graces homes around the world, thanks to the collectors who have found me through my "business partners" (galleries and my art dealer) or through social media. I am exultant that people want to live with my art.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

Bio and Statement – Fiona Smith

The experience of joy is often underrated. Yet we can find it in the most simple and ordinary things. Peacocks are extraordinary – we would not be without them. But, in Australia, it is our "backyard birds" that bring us our daily delight.

The magpies are so elegant and clever. They make themselves part of our extended families. And entertain us with their mimicry. The rainbow lorikeets squabble and deafen as they settle for the evening. The butcher bird song would put any chamber orchestra to shame.

My most recent work celebrates our avian companions, presenting them often as icons against patterned backgrounds based on the elegant designs of fabrics and wallpapers from the Jacobean, Arts and Crafts Movement and Louis XV styles.

Included in my fascinations are: how colours sit together and enhance each other, an admiration of design, and the pursuit of beauty. In painting the natural world, I want to tweak a sense of recognition in others – reminding us how much we all need to stop and consider the things that bring us joy.

I am interested in throwing unexpected things together to see if they "stick", or spark innovative thinking in some way.

Domiciled in Sydney, Australia, I grew up tow-haired and barefoot on the fringes of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, by the water at Church Point. My mother was a potter, talented photographer and paper artist and my father is one of those people who can invent and make just about anything - and prefers to do so. I also have a family history in the ski industry in Kosciuszko and the mountains are a regular feature of my landscapes.

Education

BA Comm (journalism). Classes at Julian Ashton art school in the 1980s and, more recently, studied with Kerrie Lester and Gria Shead at the Workshop Arts Centre. Workshops with artists such as Lucy Culliton, Robert Malherbe, John Bokor, Amanda Penrose-Hart, David Fairbairn, Juliette Holmes a'Court and Tim Allen.

Exhibitions

2023

Affordable Art Fair, Singapore, November

Stickybeaks solo show, Michael Reid Murrurundi, August.

A Fabulist's Collection, solo show, Sarah Birtles Art & Advice, February.

2022

Limited release, Michael Reid Murrurundi, November

Spring Song, Grainger Gallery, Fyshwick, group show, September 2022

Affordable Art Fair Melbourne, September, 2022

Domesticus solo show, Michael Reid Murrarundi, 2—19 Jun 2022

Interconnected, group show by Beautiful Bizarre magazine at NERAM (New England Regional Art Museum), Armidale. June 2022.

Affordable Art Fair, Sydney, June 2022.

Roost, online solo show, Sarah Birtles Art & Advice, March 4, 2022.

2021

Spirit of the Times, solo online, Sarah Birtles Art & Advice, November 2021

Spring Forward, Wellington Gallery, Waterloo. October 2021

Snowy Paintings, Grainger Gallery, August 2021.

Objects de la Vie, Grainger Gallery, group show, April, 2021.

2020

Raglan Gallery two-artist show, August to October, Cooma 2020

2019

It's a Wrap, White Rhino Artspace, December 2019

Close & Familiar, White Rhino Artspace, October 2019

Ravenswood Australian Women's Art Prize (Finalist, emerging artist) 2019

Drummoyne Open Art Prize 2019 (Highly commended)

Eiger Chalet Easter Exhibition – April 2019, Perisher, NSW

2018

Once By Happenstance – October 2018, Gauge Gallery, Glebe.

Art for Hamlin – Celebrating Women, Farr Side Gallery, October.

Fair Isle Country - May 2018, Design & Detail, Jindabyne.

Petrichor - March 20 - April 7, 2018, Ewart Gallery, Willoughby.

Butterfly Foundation – Crows Nest.

2016

Brushstrokes at the Bay, October 29, 2016, Primrose Park, Cammeray.
Tea With Kerrie, July 6- July 29, 2016, Ewart Gallery, Willoughby.

Awards