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Brenda Gael Smith

Contemporary Textile Art

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    • Acuity
    • Allagai – Monthly Art Project
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Portfolio

Artist Statement

I create textile paintings and sketches made from a rich palette of my hand-dyed fabrics complemented by extensive, textural stitching. Much of my work is inspired by the colour and patterns of the natural world. Using a process of abstraction, I capture the essence of my subjects in simplified form. Working improvisationally, I refine line, shape, colour and texture to evoke a sense of place, express an idea, highlight an issue or elicit an emotional response.

Daily walks are a creative habit integral to my studio practice whether I am home or travelling. By closely observing my surroundings, and taking hundreds of photos, I have a bountiful inspiration bank that informs my work. I also embrace the serendipity factor. From the dye pot, to the design wall, to the sewing machine, I am always open to the possibility of a glorious accident.

Acuity

Acuity #6 in a Twinkle of an Eye - Yellow Polygo Shape on Purple Background

Botanica

rust and green triangle shapes on a dark background

Copa Abstractions

Pigface

Desire Lines

Dreamlines

Flying Colours

Forza Vitale

Grass

Turf by Brenda Gael Smith

Landlines

Marine

Allagai Bay - Whale Trails - Monthly Art Project by Brenda Gael Smith

Treelines

Reforestation

Twelve by Twelve

Argyle Diamons by Brenda Gael Smith

Many of these artworks are for sale in my shop.

I acknowledge that I live and create on the land of the Darkinjung and Guringai people and recognise their continuing connection to this place. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all First Nations people.

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Contact

Brenda Gael Smith
Contemporary Textile Art

brenda@brendagaelsmith.com

PO Box 131, Avoca Beach
NSW 2251 Australia

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Serendipity Studio News

Sign up for periodic updates from my studio - new artwork, exhibitions, workshops, tutorials and other news

On exhibition

  • 9 November 2025 – 31 January 2026 Performance Arts Culture Cessnock
    AHEAD OF THE CURVE
  • Integrifolia #3
    26 February – 1 March 2026 Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival – Hampton, Virginia
    Minimalism
My first full day in Marrakech was completed by a My first full day in Marrakech was completed by a 3 hour food tour. A multi-sensory experience meandering through the medina. And, yes, I did get a teensy bit lost making my way back to the riad afterwards… @moroccanfoodadventures
My short time in Marrakech began with pouring rain My short time in Marrakech began with pouring rain and ended with a glorious sunset from a rooftop bar overlooking Koutoubia mosque against a backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. 🌴🌅
Morocco has modern mosaic tiles too. These photos Morocco has modern mosaic tiles too. These photos are mostly from the revitalised Lalla Yeddouna Square project in the Fes Medina with the last two from Casablanca airport.
Z is for Zellige 🇲🇦 As someone who grew up Z is for Zellige 🇲🇦

As someone who grew up in New Zealand, I have a special affinity for the letter Z. I am delighted to add a new Z word to my vocabulary following my recent sojourn in Morocco.
 
Zellige (other spellings are available) is a traditional art form of hand-chiseled mosaic tilework, made from natural clay, hand-molded, hand-glazed, and individually cut into small geometric pieces to create vibrant, complex patterns. Such tile work is found across Morocco and I viewed especially fine examples in:
- Bahia Palace, Marrakech
- Saadian Tombs, Marrakech
- Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech
- Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Rabat

I also enjoyed the mosaics and tile work in the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

#zelligemarocain #zellige

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