About Clay Smith
Education and Training
Clay Smith is a self-taught artist with many years of experience in photomontage, and large-scale paintings, that can sometimes take on a more sculptural form. His unique selling point lies in the distinctive and innovative approach he takes in creating art, setting his work apart from others in the market. Clay's passion for art began at a young age, and he has honed his craft through experimentation and practice.
Clay's artistic journey started in his hometown in Hull, UK, where he spent most of his time wondering through the Galleries, looking up close to the masters like Lord Leighton, and learning from studying the brush strokes, the colouring and composition.
His education came from his own initiative and interacting with other well established artists. He started in Hull, and moved to Derbyshire and onto Nottinghamshire, where he now lives and works.
Exhibitions and Shows
GALLERIES & SPACES
ENIA GALLERY - Athens.
TARPEY GALLERY - UK.
HAARLEM STUDIOS - UK.
FORMAT INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL - UK.
Clay Smith has experience in local and international exhibitions and shows. He has collections here in the UK, and abroad. Selling works to famous musical stars in South Korea, to private buyers in Germany and in the UK.
Having had numerous group shows in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, Clay also has had shows in Athens, published in Austria, won awards at the Derby Open, and also at the Harley Open here in the UK.
Notable Exhibitions:
Format International Festival, Derby, as an EXPOSURE Artist.
Keumsan Gallery, Seoul. 'The Darkness of Light'.
Korea Hotel Art Fair, Seoul.
Plume Gallery, Seoul.
Haarlem Artspace, Wirksworth UK. Joint show.
Haarlem Artspace, Wirksworth uk. Winter Exhibition.
Tarpey Gallery, UK. Numerous exhibitions and a winner.
Enia Gallery, Athens. Ongoing.
Derby Museum, UK. 2005-2009. (winner 2009)
Nottingham Castle, UK.
Quad, UK. 'Acquisition'.
Deda, UK.
Awards, Solo Shows, Publications, Residencies.
2019 - Residency. Jordan.
2019 - Residency. Haarlem Artspace.
2018 - Winner. The Harley Open, UK. The Story Telling Prize.
2015 - Commission. Acquisition, Quad, UK.
2015 - Funding. The Elephant Trust.
2012 - Winner. Tarpey Gallery, UK. Framing Award.
2011 - Solo Show. Bulls Head, UK.
2011 - Winner. Derby Open, uk. Portfolio Review Prize.
2010 - Solo Show. Tarpey Gallery, UK.
2009 - Winner. Derby Open, UK. First Prize.
2008 - Published. The Visual Artsbeat Magazine, Salzburg. Austria.