Mark Smith’s work is based on a nostalgic representation of some of his earliest memories of the sea. His handmade ceramics are inspired by coastal life, architecture and the effects of the natural environment from wildlife, through to the weather-worn decay of the architecture and the shipping industry. Old signage and weather-worn decay are key to bringing his sculptures to life.

Mark places emphasis on the story-telling aspect of his work, crossing between reality and fantasy. Being a natural hoarder of things, the recycle/upcycle elements to his work extends from this. Mark finds old relics and unusual design partly to blame for this. He re-invents objects and gives them a new lease of life, rather than letting them go to landfill as he feels the importance of this is becoming more relevant in today’s environmental uncertainty. The clay elements to Mark’s work also mimic the aging process, from the use of ice-cream colours to the rust and decay that partners weather-worn timber, metals, plastics, beach finds and ceramics.

“I do aim to please folks and not be too serious with my outcomes. Some say they make them smile. Well so be it! A smile a day keeps the doctor at bay, so they say.”