Brett Smout: Ceramic artist

Brett Smout is an Australian ceramic artist who has established himself in the ceramics community through his innovative research into incorporating industrial and agricultural by-products into ceramic materials and his diverse artistic practice spanning multiple firing techniques and temperatures.

Educational Background and Research Innovation

Smout's academic journey culminated in a PhD in ceramics from the University of Sydney, where he conducted pioneering research into the incorporation of industrial and agricultural by-products into lower firing clay and glazes. His doctoral work, completed in 2013 at Sydney College of Arts, represented a significant contribution to sustainable ceramic practice, addressing both environmental concerns and material innovation within the field. His work demonstrates how traditional ceramic processes can be reimagined to incorporate waste materials, reducing both environmental impact and material costs while maintaining artistic and functional integrity.

Artistic Practice and Technical Mastery

Smout's artistic practice encompasses a remarkably diverse range of ceramic techniques and processes. His work is characterized by its technical versatility, employing wheel-thrown, hand-built, and slip-cast methods.

The artist's work spans from high-fire stoneware at cone 10 down to low-fire ceramics at cone 1 and below, utilising various kilns,  soda and wood firing techniques and oxidising and reducing atmospheres. This broad technical range demonstrates mastery of ceramic processes and commitment to exploring the full potential of clay as a medium.

Thematic Focus and Artistic Philosophy

Smout's artistic approach includes an interest in formalism, emphasizing form, pattern and symbol rather than narrative. Some pieces feature geometrically defined curves and layered surface effects that result from controlled preparation combined with what he describes as "the gifts of the fire".

The maritime theme suggested by his website title "Ceramic Ocean" permeates much of his work, reflecting both his Australian coastal environment and his interest in related forms. This oceanic inspiration manifests in pieces that capture the essence of water, waves, and weathered coastal landscapes through ceramic form and surface treatment.

Environmental Consciousness and Material Innovation

One central element of Smout's practice is his commitment to environmental sustainability through material innovation. His PhD research focused specifically on incorporating industrial and agricultural by-products into ceramic materials, representing a significant contribution to sustainable ceramic practice. This work addresses the dual challenges of waste reduction and resource conservation while maintaining the aesthetic and functional qualities essential to ceramic art.

His research into using sand mine run-off from Bungendore, NSW, roadbase rock crusher tailings from Marulan, sugar cane ash, and perlite fines demonstrates his commitment to finding creative solutions to environmental challenges. These materials, typically considered waste products, are transformed through his research into valuable ceramic resources.

Exhibition History and Recognition

Smout's exhibition history spans over five decades. His career has been marked by recognition and achievement, including multiple merit certificates and competition wins.

His exhibition record includes regular participation in Sydney's vibrant ceramics scene, showing work at venues such as the Sydney Ceramics Market at Carriageworks, Redfern, and various craft fairs and galleries throughout New South Wales. This consistent presence reflects both his productivity as an artist and his commitment to engaging with the broader ceramics community. More broadly he is an active board member of The Society of Arts and Crafts of NSW.

Current Practice and Future Directions

Smout's current work continues to evolve, with recent directions focusing on spending more time on design and decoration, exploring how single slip-cast forms can be transformed through different decorating choices.  In contrast, his rugged humanoid vase forms are related - but clearly individual - members of a tribe. This approach reflects his mature artistic vision, where technical mastery serves conceptual exploration.

His pieces are designed to be functional, intended for displaying flowers, serving food, and decorating spaces. This commitment to functionality reflects a broader philosophy that ceramics should serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, connecting art with daily life.

The artist's collaborative approach is evident in projects such as the soda firing collaboration described on his website, where he fires pieces with friends using discarded wooden pallets and involving family members in the stoking process. This community-centred approach to ceramic practice reflects his understanding of ceramics as both a personal artistic expression and a shared cultural activity.

Legacy and Impact

Brett Smout's contribution to contemporary Australian ceramics extends beyond his individual artistic practice to encompass significant research contributions and educational impact. His PhD research into sustainable ceramic materials provides a foundation for future developments in environmentally conscious ceramic practice, while his extensive exhibition history demonstrates the commercial and artistic viability of sustainable ceramic art.