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Brenda Gael Smith

Contemporary Textile Art

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Copa Abstractions

Copa Abstractions Catalogue

Copa Abstractions Catalogue Cover Brenda Gael Smith
This 28 page catalogue showcases the development of the Copa Abstractions project over 52 weeks. It includes inspiration images and the resulting collection of vibrant, abstract textile sketches. Order directly from Blurb.

Copa Abstractions

52 textile sketches inspired by Copacabana and environs and completed as part of a self guided Weekly Art Project.

Week #27 Blue Groper is available for sale. All other works are in private collections.

Pigface πŸ”΄
Bottlebrush πŸ”΄
Shoal πŸ”΄
Seaweed πŸ”΄
Gum Nuts πŸ”΄
Crooked Banksias πŸ”΄
Jacaranda πŸ”΄
Tumbleweed πŸ”΄
Angophora πŸ”΄
Tumbleweed II πŸ”΄
Eastern Rosella
Incoming Wave πŸ”΄
Water’s Edge πŸ”΄
Norfolk Pine πŸ”΄
Dunes πŸ”΄
Kelp πŸ”΄
Seagrass πŸ”΄
Tidelines πŸ”΄
Cool Change πŸ”΄
Dolphins πŸ”΄
Grevillea πŸ”΄
Gum Blossom πŸ”΄
Orange Gum πŸ”΄
Crimson Rosella
Flannel Flower πŸ”΄
Cockatoo Feather πŸ”΄
Rainbow Lorikeet πŸ”΄
Banksia Cone πŸ”΄
Kookaburra πŸ”΄
Galah
King Parrot
Palm Flower πŸ”΄
Blue Groper
Black Swan πŸ”΄
Cockatoo Crest πŸ”΄
Whale Tail πŸ”΄
Seaspray πŸ”΄
Banksia πŸ”΄
Tailfeather πŸ”΄
Pelican πŸ”΄
Wattle πŸ”΄
Native Fuchsia πŸ”΄
Gymea Lily πŸ”΄
Bromeliad πŸ”΄
Sunset πŸ”΄
Brush Turkey πŸ”΄
Coastal Banksia πŸ”΄
Lagoon πŸ”΄
Roots πŸ”΄
Rockpool πŸ”΄
Cordyline πŸ”΄
Pigface & Gazania πŸ”΄

Copa Abstractions: Weekly Art Project: Brenda Gael Smith

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
Join me in person for Abstraction in Action in Mel Join me in person for Abstraction in Action in Melbourne for the weekend of 1/2 August. This is an introduction to the art of abstraction in concept and practice. Learn how to create an abstract composition drawn from reality using YOUR preferred medium and techniques. Working from a personal source of inspiration found in nature or place, students will learn the basics of abstraction through observation, reflection and repetition. Book with @melbmqg
The longest night has passed and we turn towards t The longest night has passed and we turn towards the sun again. Perfect conditions for a winter solstice swim. No wetsuit required. I feel better in the water. #saltwaterhealing #wintersolstice2026 #macmastersbeachnsw
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

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