Cheryl Mackey Smith

While working with a variety of clays, Cheryl discovered the viscosity of Porcelain was most adaptable to her minimalistic designs while focusing on texture and shape. She is able to create additional depth and richness through a process called ‘pit-firing’, where the individual pieces are first kiln fired, then cooled and re-fired in a pit in the ground using leaves, sticks and twigs from the surrounding area. Cheryl gains inspiration from the natural world. Her love of the outdoors; plants, landforms, and the intricacies of nature cast a tremendous influence on her fine clay work. Although very abstracted, her repeated uses of the clay forms emulate close-up views of leaves, bark and rock formations. You can often find her in the outdoors bent over the minutest elements of the forest, fields and beaches, photographing the intricate and amazing formations of our natural world. Cheryl’s work develops gradually from the time she spends outdoors, to sketching and planning the detailed interpretations of her travels. As the clay pieces are created, the final layout and finished pieces come into view. Following the kiln firing, the pieces are sorted and laid out into final compositions that are inspired by her personal interpretation of our natural world. “Each work is created by compiling many smaller elements, each delicately sculpted in a peaceful and orderly manner. I feel the viewer attracted to my work relates freely to the zen-like quality that transpires.” cms