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Brenda Gael Smith

Contemporary Textile Art

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    • Acuity
    • Allagai – Monthly Art Project
    • Botanica
    • Copa Abstractions
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    • Dreamlines
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    • Flying Colours
    • Grass
    • Landlines
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    • Taking Shape
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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
High tea @orchard_house_kulnura. Highly recommend! High tea @orchard_house_kulnura. Highly recommend!
This year marks my 60th circuit of the sun; 33 yea This year marks my 60th circuit of the sun; 33 years since the Laundry King and I got together; 26 years since we got engaged and bought this home; 25 years since we got married; 22 years since we moved here full time; 3 years since his brain cancer diagnosis; and 2 years since he died in our bedroom overlooking the teal ocean. So much of my life is bound up in this place and he has left me many legacies.

The Laundry King was an accomplished woodworker and made this beautiful table out of recycled Australian hardwoods. We bought some pine chairs as a short-term measure. We never did find something more suitable. Until today when I took delivery of some new chairs made from blackbutt wood to match the table. They are perfect. I look forward to sharing many more meals around the table and jigsaws too.

I also have a collection of handmade cards including one from our 25th anniversary that features all 52 works from my weekly art project. Those works were part of my solo exhibition in 2018.
 
That same year @stephaniejoyhoughton had her solo  exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery and I fell in love with her abstract teal and turquoise artwork. Fast-forward and I am thrilled that this piece was available.

I have been on a teal and turquoise kick since the Laundry King commissioned @lbjewelleryguy to make my teal sapphire pendant in mid-2023.

Other teal/turquoise things that make me smile include a card @sffeltworks; new salt and pepper grinders that go with LK’s 70s pottery; and a plate that I bought in Morocco after traipsing across Rabat my turquoise quest.

Teal is said to symbolise tranquility, clarity, and emotional balance. Similarly the colour turquoise represents calmness, clarity, healing, and open communication. Because its blue-green hue evokes the sky and the sea, it is associated with peace, emotional balance, and spiritual protection. 

This must be the place:
Home is where I want to be
But I guess I’m already there
I come home, she lifted up her wings
I guess that this must be the place
I can’t tell one from another
Did I find you, or you find me?
There was a time before we were born
If someone asks, this where I’ll be, where I’ll be
Hello 60! Swimming at the ocean pool is a fantasti Hello 60! Swimming at the ocean pool is a fantastic way to start the day.

#copacabanansw #macmastersbeachnsw #saltwaterhealing
This year (2026) marks the 20th anniversary of the This year (2026) marks the 20th anniversary of the Australasian Quilt Convention. The entrance features a display of the brochure covers over the years and it was fun to identify 3 covers that include snippets of exhibits that I was involved with.

⭐️ 2009 was my first AQC. I was a tutor and my contribution to the “teach me” exhibit was “Grass” that you can see in the lower right corner.

⭐️ in 2013, the Twelve by Twelve International Art Quilt Project shared the Colourplay series which included a piece by @studioconway highlighting the plight of refugees in drought (see centre left)

⭐️ in 2020 the chronology was disrupted by the Covid pandemic but not before the brochure was published with “The Fuchsia’s Looking Bright m” by @darlingdi from @vision2020textiles who poseda poignant question: Will my optimistic dream of a brighter future turn out to be 2020 vision, or just a fun and fabulous fabric fusion of my favourite colours?

Congratulations to @craft.events_  on the 20th Anniversary 🤩

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