Brogan Smith Portfolio

TECHNICAL

KARST

As a maker with ever-evolving curiosities, I look to the natural world and its phenomena for inspiration. The imperfect and tactile nature of the large-scale sculptures inhabit the mystical and geometric landscapes where natural spectacles are captured through motion, light and sound.

The sculptures are developed from the ground and transformed into playful landscapes. In my work I aim to navigate humankind’s spiritual, cultural and artistic responses to the natural world and its wonder, often inviting the viewer to immerse themselves within the display. The concept of emphasising the connection between individuals and their surroundings and relationship between perception and materiality also interests me.

EXHIBITION DESIGN

The contemporary exhibition titled ‘KARST’, is curated to engage with diverse audience groups and to create an immersive user experience. The layout explores the fundamental constituents of space, enabling the viewer to wander freely and be engrossed by the decorative and artistic qualities of the display.

TECHNICAL

The KARST landscapes irregular, rippled textured forms and soft-edged domes invoke memories of western Australia’s worldly limestone formations, of The Pinnacles Desert. The large-scale sculptures are formed using the technique of coiling. The coil reveals the processes that are often hidden in most ceramic works, allowing the form to naturally evolve in search for a new structural complexity.

Experimentation with speciality glazes and glaze application for sculptural purposes often creates unpredictable yet, unusual, textural surfaces in my work. Glaze faults such as crazing, crawling and pin-holing are a way of adding rich visual interest to the piece.

SKETCHING

DEVELOPMENT

Final designs for this project had been developed through extensive 2D and 3D modelling making. To visualise and reflect upon scale and proportions of the final design, I created several full scale models that are made from unfired clay, cardboard and plaster.

Longevity and environmental consideration play a big part in my design process. I believe we have a responsibility as designers to consider the materials we use to produce an object and how that might impact our surroundings.

3D PRINTED CERAMICS

In this collaborative project, we explored the future use of ceramics and technology in contemporary sculpture. Drawing upon my hand building coiling technique, I found myself beginning to mimic the properties of 3D printed work. I created a series of 3D modelled, scaled-down, dome-shaped volumes with a ribbed outer wall/layer, that is made up of stacked layers of 3D- printed clay. A sculptural intervention, that seeks to highlight how traditional ceramic techniques and modern technology can be used together to produce more significant and sustainable structures. Once more, inviting the viewer to move across the surface and encounter its details.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Inspired by bioclimatic principles and vernacular architecture, my interest of coupling traditional building techniques with modern technologies within the context of architecture, public realm and the built environment, is a concept I would like to explore and further my own understanding of contemporary interior and architectural practices.

Dorze and Oca indigenous housing use cheap, local and accessible materials to build shelters to meet specific needs, accommodate values, economy and lifestyles of a specific culture. The idea of constructing recyclable, low carbon, climate-adapting housing and structurally stable interior furnishings excites me.

FUNCTION

Crafting meaningful objects that can exist across the expectations of an object inspire me. Allowing an object to exist across the planes of sculpture and function is a concept I am currently exploring.

“Nest a concept devised to refine my discipline within a more realised and functional direction. The project allows me to further my own understanding of the material- ceramics and reconnect my discipline with the user in the built environment.

“Nest”, verb- to fit one object inside another, or to fit inside in this way.

Nest is a functional structure that allows the user to delineate different spaces in an interior or to create a design that blossoms out into a 3D-wall in a chosen area. Creating surfaces that change from flat to raised.

The haptic structure can be considered as a holding place. A confined space to support every day items, the structure can be modified to create a more extensive frontal opening for greater accessibility for the user. In terms of surface, I want the process of coiling to remain visible, as it keeps the gestural quality intact on the form.

EXPERIENCE

Arts Exhibition Crew 2021

• Experience of managing events and exhibitions, to assist with ticket admission and stewarding exhibitions

• Support technical team with opening and closing of exhibitions

• Network opportunities with artists, designers and film makers

• To engage a range of audiences with contemporary art and debate documentary film

Treasurer of Craft Society 2019

• Develop public speaking skills

• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise and meet deadlines

• Responsibility of managing the society funds

• Organise and deliver craft workshops and events

Site Gallery Front of House Volunteer 2019

• Insight into the artist-led sector and awareness and understanding of the importance of contemporary visual arts

• Experience of handling artworks

• Managing the gallery shop and day to day tasks

Decorative Arts Course Representative 2018

• Confident in presenting to large groups

• Developed excellent verbal and written skills through communication with peers and staff members

Line Nilsen 2017

• Insight into Nilsen’s business and studio environment

• Experience of working to time constraints and within budget

• Create digital content and sketches for live briefs

ACHIEVEMENTS

First Class Honours Decorative Arts, 2020

Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, 2020

Essential first aid, all ages, 2019

Diploma of Higher Education in Food and Nutrition, 2017

Level 2 Award in food safety for manufacturing, 2016

SOFTWARE SKILLS

Microsoft office Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Lightroom Rhino

brogansmith09@hotmail.co.uk

Brogan Smith