Anna Smyth Ceramics
Ceramics
My contemporary porcelain vessels with crystalline glazing are imbued with meaning. Each one has something to say....
Anna’s journey with ceramics began in the early 1990’s and she pursued this passion, leading her to full time study, achieving the Dean’s award for excellence and a First Class Honours Degree in Contemporary Applied Arts – Ceramics, at Belfast School of Art.
Ulster University/First trust bank commissioned her to make the ‘Distinguished Graduate’ Award trophy and following a residency at the University she achieved Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Based in the Ards Peninsula, County Down, in Northern Ireland, she creates thrown, sculptural porcelain vessels, imbued with meaning, inspired by her observations and reflection on life.
Her award winning ceramics have been exhibited widely, including ‘New Designers, London’, ‘MADE London 2024′, and the prestigious RUA, several times. She has been supported by her local council, Freeland Foundation for Artists, Go Succeed Ni business support’ and the Arts Council of NI, who purchased a collection of her local heritage work entitled ‘Linen Legacy’, for their public collection.
Anna was selected for 2021/22 ‘Portfolio’ membership, Design and Crafts Council Ireland and was awarded an emerging maker award by Craft NI.
Her current work focuses on the ongoing development of her stunning crystalline glazes in which crystals form during the firing, adding a fascinating layer of interest and significance to her work; symbolising life and vitality. She has harnessed these qualities into a new series of pieces inspired by the energy and colours of the Sea, and aptly named these ‘Fathom’.
Anna believes that when we engage with items which have been thoughtfully designed and skilfully made by the human hand, it is a valuable and enriching experience.
Address
44 North Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7AS
Opening Hours
Viewing by appointment.
From my home studio, by appointment, or from:
Craft NI Gallery, Belfast
Cahir Arts, County Tipperary
Gallery 1608, Bushmills, Co. Antrim
SOfine Art Editions, Dublin
Amelia’s Gallery, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
The Whitehouse Gallery, Kirkcudbright, Scotland