Adrian Smith
Falkirk, Stirlingshire, UK
Adrian is based between Stirlingshire and the Orkney Islands. With a background in fashion design, having worked in Italy's fashion industry for over 25 years, he stepped back from fashion in 2019 and has since focused on a full-time practice as textile artist and painter.
He works in series, developing along thematic lines. Adrian draws significant inspiration from his childhood and immersion in Orkney's landscape, culture and folklore, and these elements are an ongoing influence and inspiration. The artwork is characterised by intricate fabric-manipulation techniques that create rich textural contrasts and gradient effects in both natural and vibrant colour palettes. His high-relief panels are often circular, and are intended as meditative and seductive. A current development of textile sculpture has inspired also an increase in scale. The challenge of repurposing is an important element, and Adrian sources materials from thrift and vintage stores, deploying atypical synthetics alongside naturals.
Photographs: By the artist