Artist Statement

My work is inspired by my fascination with the natural world and the study of textures and surfaces. Organic and inorganic, ordered and chaotic; I find the decorative surfaces of our natural and manmade world captivating.

I take inspiration for my original paintings, prints and crafts from my work as a conservator and heritage consultant. During my career in conservation, now spanning two decades, I have had the privilege to work on and to conserve, restore and reinstate some of the nations most beautiful and important, historic interiors and objects. The combination of these experiences and my knowledge and skills as a fine and decorative artist, are used to create abstract pieces, which seek to portray the beauty and lustre of natural decay, patina and age. 

Gemma Smart - Creative Director smART Decorative Arts