

Frances Smith Ceramics
Beautiful, functional works designed for everyday functional use or appreciation in private galleries.


I work mainly in ceramics, but I also paint in watercolour and acrylic — and what moves between all of it is the same thing: the natural world, and particularly Australian flora. Environmental ideas keep coming back. I can't seem to leave them alone, and I'm not sure I want to. Flowers are wonderful. That's really the simplest way I can put it. There is so much to pay attention to in a single Australian flower — the structure, the colour, the way it sits in a landscape — and making work about it, whether in clay or on paper, feels like the right way to do that paying attention. The medium changes depending on what the subject needs. The subject itself doesn't really change.

The Golden Endangered Flora Sphere embodies the elegance and utility of fine ceramic art. Crafted from white mid-fire clay, this piece belongs to the "Endangered" series. It is wheel-thrown and hand-illustrated, showcasing endangered Australian flora against a lustrous gold backdrop. The integration of gold lustre background with the underglaze decoration highlights its precious nature. This artwork blends artistry and practical design, making it a stunning addition to any home decor. Available now at The Online Art Gallery website.

The Resilience Vessel is part of the ClayWeave collection. It is a hand-crafted piece combining a dark clay base with a carved porcelain top, finished with found red coral attachments. The contrast between the textured dark clay and the pale carved porcelain reflects the fragility and persistence of coral reef ecosystems under the pressure of climate change. The red coral elements are intentional — a direct reference to the declining state of our oceans' reefs but the resilience of new growth. This vessel functions as both a statement object and a functional home décor piece, consistent with the studio's focus on blending artistry with utility. Available at The Online Art Gallery website.

A hand-crafted Cool Ice Porcelain small bowl featuring sunflowers in yellow, orange, and lush green leaves set against a gold lustre background. This is from my Gold Lustre Floral series where my focus is on bright flowers while keeping the work part of everyday use. Available now on The Online Art Gallery website.

The Golden Sunflowers Lamp with Shade is a functional ceramic artwork . The vessel base features hand-illustrated sunflowers set against a gold lustre background and finished with a clear glaze. Paired with a black lampshade and carved wooden stand, the lamp is fully wired, tested, and tagged by a licensed electrician, making it ready for use. Each piece is unique and suited to modern home interiors seeking functional art. Now available at The Online Art Gallery website.
Selected works from my current and previous portfolio.

Endangered Flora Lustre Sphere
Ceramics · Endangered
35 × 31 × 31 cm
The Endangered Lustre Sphere is a large, wheel-formed ceramic vessel, with illustrated endangered Australian flora set against a gold lustre background, achieved through a third firing. The floral illustrations reference species at risk, giving the work both visual and ecological significance. Crafted as functional art, it reflects a commitment to blending utility with considered design. This unique piece suits modern interiors where decorative objects are expected to carry meaning as well as beauty.

Australiana Platter
Ceramics · Australiana
5 × 32 × 32 cm
The Australiana Platter is wheel-thrown in Australian Cool Ice Porcelain . The unique platter features hand-illustrated native Australian flora, including Red Pokers, Wattle, and Flannel Flowers, rendered in line and colour directly onto the surface. Finished with a clear glaze, the platter is fully functional and suitable for everyday use. A thoughtful addition to any home or a considered gift for those who appreciate functional ceramic art.

The Gymea Lily
Ceramics · Golden Lustre
52 × 23 × 23 cm
The Gymea Lily Vessel is part of the Gold Lustre series. It is a large wheel-thrown vessel crafted from white mid-fire clay. It features a hand-illustrated Gymea Lily, an iconic Australian flower which is abundant on the south coast of NSW. The bold reds, greens and black are set against a gold lustre background. Fully functional, this vessel is designed to serve both practical and decorative purposes in a modern home setting.

Grasses and Shells Vessel
Ceramics · ClayWeave
25 × 15 × 25 cm
The Grasses and Shells Vessel is part of the ClayWeave collection, a collaboration piece that merges functional ceramics with natural materials. The lower body carries a satin white glaze, while the pierced, unglazed upper section provides structure for dried grasses, shells, and mother of pearl discs attached through the pierced holes. Each element is deliberately placed, creating a piece that sits between functional vessel and decorative object. Hand-crafted to complement modern home interiors, this vessel reflects a straightforward commitment to combining artistry with utility.

Hydrangeas Small Lustre Bowl
Ceramics · Golden Lustre
10 × 16 × 10 cm
The Hydrangeas Lustre Bowl is a hand-crafted clay vessel that draws inspiration from the hydrangea, a familiar presence in Australian gardens. The design features white hydrangea blooms and green foliage set against a gold lustre background, rendered with clear, defined linework. Built to function as either a practical vessel or a unique, standalone art piece, it reflects a considered approach to ceramic design — where utility and visual intent work together.

Resilience Vessel
Ceramics · Basketry Ceramics
45 × 12 × 15 cm
The Resilience Vessel is a hand-crafted piece combining a dark clay base with a carved porcelain top, finished with found red coral attachments. The contrast between the textured dark clay and the pale carved porcelain reflects the fragility and persistence of coral reef ecosystems under the pressure of climate change. The red coral elements are intentional — a direct reference to the declining state of our oceans' reefs but the resilience of new growth. This vessel functions as both a statement object and a functional home décor piece, consistent with the studio's focus on blending artistry with utility.

Charcoal and Jute
Ceramics · ClayWeave
18 × 30 × 33 cm
"Charcoal and Jute" is a large, wheel-formed black clay bowl that has been divided and rejoined using intricate jute weaving — a collaboration between ceramic craft and textile work. The jute is threaded through perforations along the bowl's midsection, creating a structured band that holds the two pieces together. A found driftwood piece is threaded through the jute to complete the piece, adding a natural, tactile contrast to the dark clay. The textured surface of the clay and the woven jute reflect a considered approach to material and process. This piece suits modern interiors where functional craft and raw materials are valued equally. A measured, purposeful work that brings quiet character to any space.

ClayWeave Aussie Flora and Fauna Collection
Mixed Media
The ClayWeave Aussie Flora and Fauna Collection is a series of hand-crafted vessels combining glazed clay bases with woven walls. Each piece features transfer illustrations of Australian flora and fauna — including wombats, echidnas, jellyfish, and sheep — on a clear glazed clay surface. Available in natural, black, and grey cord wrapping, the collection offers a range of sizes and shapes suited to everyday use or as keepsakes.

Pink Peony
Ceramics · AllSorts

Basalt and Sea Large Bowl
Ceramics · ClayWeave
15 × 38 × 38 cm
Basalt and Sea is a large bowl from the ClayWeave. It is wheel-thrown in Keane Dark Matter Clay with a carved 'rock-like' surface detail, while the interior is finished with a deep ocean-blue glaze. Natural blue jute is threaded through pierced holes in this collaboration piece combining clay with the art of weaving. Basalt and Sea bridges natural materials and ceramic craft, resulting in a work that is both visually considered and fully functional. NOW AVAILABLE ON THE ONLINE ART GALLERY WEBSITE.

Zany Characters Tassie Devil
Ceramics · Zany Characters
11 × 15 × 14 cm
"Zany Characters Tassie Devil" is part of the "Zany Characters" series made with Cool Ice Porcelain. This unique piece combines artistry and functionality. Designed to transcend traditional decor, it provides a whimsical yet meaningful homage to wildlife conservation. Each piece is a celebration of life, adorned with golden wings, symbolizing freedom and protection for creatures telling a compelling story.

Licorice Allsorts Vessel
Ceramics · AllSorts
14 × 11 × 11 cm
Inspired by the nostalgic charm of licorice allsorts — a favourite sweet from childhood and still a delight today — this playful small vase celebrates colour, form and memory. Wheel-formed in mid-fire white clay, the vessel is carefully altered to echo the layered geometry of the iconic confection, with glossy black “licorice strap” detailing incorporated into the neck and foot. Bold yet refined, the piece brings a sense of joy and familiarity while maintaining a contemporary ceramic presence.
2023
Golden Vessels – Joint exhibition
CrackPot Studio & Gallery, Freshwater NSW.
Master & Students – Joint exhibition
Old Fire Station Gallery, Kiama NSW.
Frances Smith Ceramics
Precinct Gallery, Berry NSW.
2022
Exploring the Form – Solo exhibition
Shellharbour Civic Centre, Shellharbour NSW.
Black & White – Joint exhibition
Australian Design Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW.
Craft NSW – Joint exhibition
Craft NSW, Newtown, NSW.
Golden Vessels – Group exhibition
Kerri Lowe Gallery, Sydney NSW.
Function & Form – Group exhibition
Terra Gallery, Kiama NSW.
Tradition & Innovation – Joint exhibition
Old Fire Station Gallery, Kiama NSW.
2021
Function & Form – Group exhibition
Terra Gallery, Kiama NSW.
Clay Chronicles – Joint exhibitions
Old Fire Station Gallery, Kiama NSW.
2019
Ceramic Odyssey – Joint exhibition
Old Fire Station Gallery, Kiama NSW.
Reminiscence – Joint exhibition
Judith Wright Contemporary Arts Centre, Brisbane.
2018
Australiana - A Tribute
2018 Biennial North Queensland Ceramic Awards, Townsville QLD.
QLD.
2015
Reminiscence – Joint exhibition
Judith Wright Contemporary Arts Centre, Brisbane.
Cream of the Crop – Joint exhibition
Queensland Regional Arts Award, Brisbane.
Metamorphosis – Group exhibition
Manly Gallery, Sydney.
Artisans in the Garden – Group exhibition
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
2014
Evolution – Group exhibition
Brookvale TAFE, Sydney.
Christmas Exhibition – Group exhibition
Ros Lowe Gallery, Newtown, Sydney.
2006
Above the Salt – Group exhibition
Ewart Gallery, Willoughby, Sydney.
2004
Seasons – Joint exhibition with ceramicist and artist
Fairview Gallery, Mudgee, NSW.
Ceramic Journeys – Group exhibition
Dale Thomas Gallery, Artarmon, Sydney.
2003
Tango – Joint exhibition with artist/painter
Reel Cafe, Sydney.
Head Graphic Designer
Seven Network Sydney
Gallery Management/Graphic Design/ Interior Designer
Various - London
Senior Graphic Designer
Nine Network, Sydney
Senior Graphic Designer
ABC, Sydney
Art Director
Broadcom Australia – Film, Video & Multi-media
Co-owner and Manager of Graphics and 3D Animation
Info-Onscreen Group
Senior Graphic Designer
Australian National University
Owner/Editor/Designer
Regional Queensland Weekly Newspaper
1976: Graphic Design Diploma
Sydney College of the Arts
2007: Business Administration Certificate III
TAFE Northern Sydney Institute
2007: Web Development
Learning Lab Surry Hills Sydney
2008: Fast Track to Adobe Creative Suite - CS3
Dynamic Web Training Sydney
2014 – 2015: Advanced Diploma of Ceramic Design
TAFE Brookvale
Enquiries, commissions and studio visits by appointment, are always welcome.
Frances Smith
Frances Smith Ceramics
Emailfran.smith@frances-smith.com
Phone0238289320
AddressKIAMA, 2533, NSW
Websitefrances-smith.com
© 2026 Frances Smith Ceramics