Lauri Smith

Biography

Lauri Smith is an Australian sculpture artist influenced by Hyperrealism and Surrealism.

‘Through my art practice I am drawn to explore my subconscious state and bring it to the physical realm through form. These sculptures are usually inspired by my bizarre and vivid dreams. My curiosity is about these non-physical entities that come from the subconscious imagination and their connection to reality, as well as the connection between all life forms.

My art pieces often combine physical attributes from human and animals to create these realistic hybrid creatures. I work with materials that mimic realism such as silicones and human hair as well as representations re-created in different materials.

My process will usually begin from this initial inspiration to the drawing, sculpting, Mold Making, casting, painting and finishing, these creatures take on a life of their own.’.

What’s your background?

Growing up I was inspired by Jim Henson’s films such as Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal which has influenced my love for making creatures. 

There is always a hint of surrealism and hyperrealism in my work and I always have an underlying idea and message I am trying to portray.

I studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts and then went on to complete a Diploma of Special Effects Make Up and prop making leading to a career in TV, film and fashion. Collectively, all these experiences guided me to establish my own art practice that I have been developing since 2015.

 What does it mean to you to win the Collectors Art Prize?

I am honoured and excited to be a part of the Collectors Art Prize and have more exposure internationally.

What do you think is the role of art in the world today?

I think art plays a very important role. It can serve to inspire wonder and hope in these difficult times we are living in, as well as art can express feelings and messages that sometimes can’t be portrayed through language.

What would it be if you could change one thing about the art world?

More government funding available for artists to get a chance to get their ideas out there and develop their work.

What are your most significant professional achievements?

I have been awarded several art awards such as first prize in The Contemporary Art Awards, winner of several Curators Choice and Honour Awards and have been selected for many finalist exhibitions.

I have had representation from a galley in Spain as well as been presented at the international contemporary art fair in Luxemburg. I have also exhibited in several solo and group shows across Australia and internationally.

My work has recently been published in a Spanish Art book ‘Anthology V -International Art Book- presented and permanently housed in the National Library of Spain.

Critical art reviews, interviews and studies of my work have also been published in Art Almanac, Art Edit Magazine and Artist up close.

Upcoming, I have a Solo exhibition in a gallery in Melbourne early this year and a solo show in a gallery in Manhattan, New York in 2025.

What do you wish to tell viewers about your work that might not come out explicitly? What do you hope to inspire with your artwork?

Probably my influence and inspiration behind my works, A lot of my art is inspired by my bizarre and vivid dreams. I often get inspiration from my dreams which I draw and journal as reference for inspiration.

I hope to inspire people to feel and see the connection between all life forms, humans and animals ,that we are all connected. Animals have always been an important part of my life and work and I hope to inspire this compassion and love for all creatures.

What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of artists?

Follow your own inspirations and unique ideas, listen to your own feelings and voice. Make your art a priority.

In what direction would you like to see your career go in the next five years?

To continue to develop my art practice with my sculpture and more recently pastel paintings. I want to be more involved locally and participate in more group and solo shows as well as continue to gain more exposure in Australia and internationally.

Ideally to be commissioned to create works for galleries and shows and sell my pieces through gallery representation and online.

Country Australia

Website https://laurismithcreatures.com