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Mr Oliver Smith

BVA (SCA) BVA (Hons) MPhil (ANU)
Senior Lecturer, Visual Art.

Member of the Charles Perkins Centre

N01P - Sydney College Of The Arts - Rozelle - (Kirkbride)
The University of Sydney

Telephone +61 2 9351 1070
Fax +61 2 9351 1199

Biographical details

Oliver Smith began his tertiary studies in the Jewellery & Object Studio at SCA and completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 1995. This was followed by a period of work experience – modelled on the traditional journeymanship – that saw him work for prominent silversmiths and metalworkers in Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Germany and England. Returning to formal study in the Gold & Silversmithing Workshop at the ANU School of Art, Oliver gained First Class Honours in 2000, and a Master of Philosophy in 2003. The recipient of numerous awards and with a growing research profile, he now combines his visual art practice with lecturing at SCA.

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Research interests

  • Silversmithing and histories of the craft
  • Ductility and the malleable qualities of metals
  • Sculpture, object, image and installation
  • Non-human agency, totemic and numinous symbology
  • Current research examines the link between the tool and talisman, and the role of material transformation and biomimicry in human creativity and culture
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Teaching and supervision

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Current projects

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Associations

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Awards and honours

  • 2018 Faculty of Arts and Social Science Doctoral Research Travel Grant Scheme
  • 2018 SCA Individual Research Support Funding
  • 2017 Research Support Scheme Funding, Sydney College of the Arts, The University of Sydney
  • 2014 Postgraduate Research Support Scheme Funding
  • 2012 National Gallery of Australia acquires F!NK Fatware
  • 2011 Art Gallery of South Australia acquires Totem Cutlery
  • 2010 Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship
  • 2010 Australia Council, Visual Arts Board, New Work Grant
  • 2009 PYD Product of the Year, Stilla Carafe
  • 2008 SCA Research Support Grant, Springboard
  • 2007 IDEA 07 Awards, Home Beautiful Product of the Year - Winner Luxury Tabletop Category
  • 2007 IDEA Awards Product of the Year, OSP Gen II
  • 2006 Governor General’s Table Bells for Government House and Admiralty House, commissioned by the Australiana Fund
  • 2005 Australia Council for the Arts, Creative Design Initiative: Maker to Manufacturer to Market
  • 2004 Australia Council for the Arts, Craft-in-Site Grant
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In the media

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PhD and master's project opportunities

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Selected grants

2005

  • MMM (maker to manufacturer to market); Smith O; Australia Council/New work.

2004

  • Craft-in-Site Grant; Smith O; Australia Council/Craft-in-Site.

2003

  • ArtsACT Project; Smith O; ArtsACT/Project Funding.

2001

  • Graduate Award; Smith O; The Australian National University School of Art/Graduate Award Scholarship.
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Selected publications & creative works

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Journals

  • Smith, O. (2007). The Australian Governor General's Table Bells. Silver Journal of Australia, 3, 3-5.

Visual Art

  • Smith, O. (2018). 1. Suzerain 2. Nostromo 3. War Dog 4. Reach 5. Sever 6. Gather 7. Bone 8. Tooth 9. Claw. In: Obsessed: Compelled to Make. Australian Design Centre, Sydney, Australia. [More Information]
  • Smith, O. (2017). 1. Divine Ratio 2. Razorback 3. Field of Wings. In: STEEL: art design architecture. JamFactory, Adelaide, Australia. [More Information]
  • Smith, O. (2015). Kianpraty Periapt. In: Honed. Gaffa Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2014). 1. Kianpraty Icon 2. Kianpraty Periapt 3. Elementary. In: New Materialism. SCA Galleries, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2013). 1. Bluestone Centrepiece 2. Quartz Centrepiece 3. Onyx Centrepiece. In: Interpretations IIII: Design works in stone. Object Gallery: Australian Design Centre. Object Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2011). 1. Totem 2. Reef 3. Classic. In: Elements: metal. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2011). Centrepieces 1. Mac Enge 2. Snekkja 3. Cyclops. In: O XI. METALAB. COTA, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2011). Signet x 9. In: Interpretations III. Annex Space. Damien Minton Gallery, Redfern, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2010). 1. Trivet I 2. Trivet II 3. Trivet III 4. Trivet IV 5. Trivet V. In: Teawares. Jam Factory Contemporary Craft and Design. Jam Factory, Adelaide, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2010). Genus Serving Spoon and Servers. In: Silver Triennial International: 16th worldwide competition. Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus, Hanau, Germany.
  • Smith, O. (2009). 1. BBQ 1 2. BBQ 2. In: Interpretations II. Gaffa Gallery, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2009). 1. ONE Tongs 2. ONE Dessert Cutlery 3. ONE Servers. In: Alumina: Recent work by Gold and Silversmithing Workshop Alumni. ANU School of Art. ANU School of Art Foyer Gallery, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2009). 1. Serpent Genie 2. Raptor Totem 3. Bovine Idol. In: Untouchable. Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney. SCA Galleries, Rozelle, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2009). Adaption Cutlery. In: BUDA Contemporary Australian Silver & Metalwork Exhibition 2009. BUDA Historic Home & Garden, Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2009). Cutler Rustler. In: Eat Green Design. 13th International Sydney Design 09 Festival, Powerhouse Museum. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O., Simpson, A. (2009). Stilla Carafe. In: PYD Product of the Year Award Exhibition. Danks Street Festival and Vogue Living. PYD building, Waterloo, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). Duntroon Centrepiece Commission. In: Royal Military College Centrepiece. Royal Military College of Australia Officers Mess Duntroon, Canberra. Royal Military College of Australia Officers Mess, Duntroon, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). One - Universal Utensil. In: Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2008. Object Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). OSP Generation III: Wings-Dapple serving utensil 2008. In: F!NK: fostering design. Craft ACT. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). OSP Generation III: Wings-Harlequin serving utensil 2008. In: F!NK: fostering design. Craft ACT. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). OSP Generation III: Wings-Neon serving utensil 2008. In: Fink: fostering design. Craft ACT. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). St. Catherine's Commission. In: St. Catherine's Commission. Catherine's School Waverly, Sydney. Ohtani High School., Osaka, Japan.
  • Smith, O. (2007). Friend To All Pendant + Badge. In: Once Upon a Time.. SCA Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2007). OSP Generation II: petal condiment spoons, 2006. In: Smart works: design and the hand made. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2007). Sail server serving utensil 2004. In: smart works: design and the hand made. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). 1. Arc cheese knife 2. Dorsal serving blade 3. Petal Condiment Spoon (wide) 4. Petal Condiment Spoon (narrow). In: Oliver smith products – generation II. Metalab, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Brazier + Hotblocks. In: going BIG. Object Galley. Object Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Family Spoons. In: Diverse Metal. Workshop Bilk. Dusseldorf Bilk Queanbeyan, Workshop Bilk, Queanbeyan, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Fatware +Tray. In: VOLUME. metalab, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Handmade planishing hammer. In: Process. Australian National Capital Artists Inc (ANCA). ANCA Gallery, Dickson ACT, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Spartan Cutlery (Knife, fork spoon and rest) 2004. In: In The Can. Gig Gallery and Australian National University. Gig Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Spartan Servers. In: In The Can. Gig Gallery and Australian National University. Gig Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). The Australian Governor General's Table Bells. In: Governor General's Table Bells. commissioned by Australiana Fund. Government House, Canberra and Admiralty House, Sydney, Canberra and Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2005). Bowls, Spoons and Forks. In: An Artful Feast. Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2005). Ilia serving utensil. In: Contemporary Australian Silver and Metalwork Award Buda 2005. Buda Historic Home and Garden, Castlemaine, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2005). Simple Spoons 2005. In: 29th Alice Craft Acquisition. Araluen Arts Centre. Witchetty's Artspace, Alice Springs, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). 1. Liquid Carrier 2003 2. Liquid Warmer 3. Rack 2004 4. Trellis Servers 2004 5. Strainer 2004 6. Agitator 2004 7. Stirrer 2004. In: Still Lives. Craft ACT. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). 1. Wound Round 2004 2. Box 2004 3. Bowl 2004. In: Containers. Workshop Bilk, Queanbeyan, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). Antler and Ilium Serving Utensils 2004. In: Forty: years/ makers/ object. Object Galley. Object Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). Flat Pack Toast Rack. In: Box. Australian National Capital Artists Inc (ANCA). ANCA Gallery, Dickson ACT, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). Fondue. In: Horizons. Australian National University. ANU School of Art Gallery and Foyer Gallery, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). OSP Generation I: 1. Sail (serving utensil) 2. Arc (cheese knife) 3. Sweet (dessert spoon) 4. Treat (condiment spoon). In: Partners in Craft. Craft ACT. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). Workshop Experiments. In: Pursuing Synergy: from hand tools to digital solutions. College of Fine Arts (COFA) Gallery, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2003). Banquet Cutlery Experiments. In: Horizons. Australian National University. ANU School of Art Gallery and Foyer Gallery, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2003). Oars and Tillers serving utensil. In: Australia Silver 2005, Tasmanian Craft Fair. Rotary Club of Deloraine, Deloraine, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2003). Process Work 2001-2003. In: Making Insights. Finishing Room Gallery. Finishing Room Gallery, Wood Workshop., Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2002). Teaset 2002. In: Ritual of Tea. Jam Factory Adelaide and Object Gallery Sydney. Jam Factory and Object Gallery, Adelaide, and Sydney, Australia.

2018

  • Smith, O. (2018). 1. Suzerain 2. Nostromo 3. War Dog 4. Reach 5. Sever 6. Gather 7. Bone 8. Tooth 9. Claw. In: Obsessed: Compelled to Make. Australian Design Centre, Sydney, Australia. [More Information]

2017

  • Smith, O. (2017). 1. Divine Ratio 2. Razorback 3. Field of Wings. In: STEEL: art design architecture. JamFactory, Adelaide, Australia. [More Information]

2015

  • Smith, O. (2015). Kianpraty Periapt. In: Honed. Gaffa Gallery, Sydney, Australia.

2014

  • Smith, O. (2014). 1. Kianpraty Icon 2. Kianpraty Periapt 3. Elementary. In: New Materialism. SCA Galleries, Sydney, Australia.

2013

  • Smith, O. (2013). 1. Bluestone Centrepiece 2. Quartz Centrepiece 3. Onyx Centrepiece. In: Interpretations IIII: Design works in stone. Object Gallery: Australian Design Centre. Object Gallery, Sydney, Australia.

2011

  • Smith, O. (2011). 1. Totem 2. Reef 3. Classic. In: Elements: metal. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2011). Centrepieces 1. Mac Enge 2. Snekkja 3. Cyclops. In: O XI. METALAB. COTA, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2011). Signet x 9. In: Interpretations III. Annex Space. Damien Minton Gallery, Redfern, Australia.

2010

  • Smith, O. (2010). 1. Trivet I 2. Trivet II 3. Trivet III 4. Trivet IV 5. Trivet V. In: Teawares. Jam Factory Contemporary Craft and Design. Jam Factory, Adelaide, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2010). Genus Serving Spoon and Servers. In: Silver Triennial International: 16th worldwide competition. Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus, Hanau, Germany.

2009

  • Smith, O. (2009). 1. BBQ 1 2. BBQ 2. In: Interpretations II. Gaffa Gallery, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2009). 1. ONE Tongs 2. ONE Dessert Cutlery 3. ONE Servers. In: Alumina: Recent work by Gold and Silversmithing Workshop Alumni. ANU School of Art. ANU School of Art Foyer Gallery, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2009). 1. Serpent Genie 2. Raptor Totem 3. Bovine Idol. In: Untouchable. Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney. SCA Galleries, Rozelle, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2009). Adaption Cutlery. In: BUDA Contemporary Australian Silver & Metalwork Exhibition 2009. BUDA Historic Home & Garden, Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2009). Cutler Rustler. In: Eat Green Design. 13th International Sydney Design 09 Festival, Powerhouse Museum. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O., Simpson, A. (2009). Stilla Carafe. In: PYD Product of the Year Award Exhibition. Danks Street Festival and Vogue Living. PYD building, Waterloo, Sydney, Australia.

2008

  • Smith, O. (2008). Duntroon Centrepiece Commission. In: Royal Military College Centrepiece. Royal Military College of Australia Officers Mess Duntroon, Canberra. Royal Military College of Australia Officers Mess, Duntroon, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). One - Universal Utensil. In: Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2008. Object Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). OSP Generation III: Wings-Dapple serving utensil 2008. In: F!NK: fostering design. Craft ACT. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). OSP Generation III: Wings-Harlequin serving utensil 2008. In: F!NK: fostering design. Craft ACT. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). OSP Generation III: Wings-Neon serving utensil 2008. In: Fink: fostering design. Craft ACT. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2008). St. Catherine's Commission. In: St. Catherine's Commission. Catherine's School Waverly, Sydney. Ohtani High School., Osaka, Japan.

2007

  • Smith, O. (2007). Friend To All Pendant + Badge. In: Once Upon a Time.. SCA Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2007). OSP Generation II: petal condiment spoons, 2006. In: Smart works: design and the hand made. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2007). Sail server serving utensil 2004. In: smart works: design and the hand made. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2007). The Australian Governor General's Table Bells. Silver Journal of Australia, 3, 3-5.

2006

  • Smith, O. (2006). 1. Arc cheese knife 2. Dorsal serving blade 3. Petal Condiment Spoon (wide) 4. Petal Condiment Spoon (narrow). In: Oliver smith products – generation II. Metalab, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Brazier + Hotblocks. In: going BIG. Object Galley. Object Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Family Spoons. In: Diverse Metal. Workshop Bilk. Dusseldorf Bilk Queanbeyan, Workshop Bilk, Queanbeyan, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Fatware +Tray. In: VOLUME. metalab, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Handmade planishing hammer. In: Process. Australian National Capital Artists Inc (ANCA). ANCA Gallery, Dickson ACT, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Spartan Cutlery (Knife, fork spoon and rest) 2004. In: In The Can. Gig Gallery and Australian National University. Gig Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). Spartan Servers. In: In The Can. Gig Gallery and Australian National University. Gig Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2006). The Australian Governor General's Table Bells. In: Governor General's Table Bells. commissioned by Australiana Fund. Government House, Canberra and Admiralty House, Sydney, Canberra and Sydney, Australia.

2005

  • Smith, O. (2005). Bowls, Spoons and Forks. In: An Artful Feast. Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2005). Ilia serving utensil. In: Contemporary Australian Silver and Metalwork Award Buda 2005. Buda Historic Home and Garden, Castlemaine, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2005). Simple Spoons 2005. In: 29th Alice Craft Acquisition. Araluen Arts Centre. Witchetty's Artspace, Alice Springs, Australia.

2004

  • Smith, O. (2004). 1. Liquid Carrier 2003 2. Liquid Warmer 3. Rack 2004 4. Trellis Servers 2004 5. Strainer 2004 6. Agitator 2004 7. Stirrer 2004. In: Still Lives. Craft ACT. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). 1. Wound Round 2004 2. Box 2004 3. Bowl 2004. In: Containers. Workshop Bilk, Queanbeyan, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). Antler and Ilium Serving Utensils 2004. In: Forty: years/ makers/ object. Object Galley. Object Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). Flat Pack Toast Rack. In: Box. Australian National Capital Artists Inc (ANCA). ANCA Gallery, Dickson ACT, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). Fondue. In: Horizons. Australian National University. ANU School of Art Gallery and Foyer Gallery, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). OSP Generation I: 1. Sail (serving utensil) 2. Arc (cheese knife) 3. Sweet (dessert spoon) 4. Treat (condiment spoon). In: Partners in Craft. Craft ACT. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2004). Workshop Experiments. In: Pursuing Synergy: from hand tools to digital solutions. College of Fine Arts (COFA) Gallery, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.

2003

  • Smith, O. (2003). Banquet Cutlery Experiments. In: Horizons. Australian National University. ANU School of Art Gallery and Foyer Gallery, Canberra, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2003). Oars and Tillers serving utensil. In: Australia Silver 2005, Tasmanian Craft Fair. Rotary Club of Deloraine, Deloraine, Australia.
  • Smith, O. (2003). Process Work 2001-2003. In: Making Insights. Finishing Room Gallery. Finishing Room Gallery, Wood Workshop., Canberra, Australia.

2002

  • Smith, O. (2002). Teaset 2002. In: Ritual of Tea. Jam Factory Adelaide and Object Gallery Sydney. Jam Factory and Object Gallery, Adelaide, and Sydney, Australia.
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