From giant pumpkins to pineapples, meet nature-inspired Terri Smart, one of the artists exhibiting at Ramster Garden as part of the Surrey Sculpture Society trail throughout May (10am–5pm each day).
Tell us a little about yourself and your work
I create my pottery from a secluded workshop in East Clandon, Surrey, where I work every day, enjoying the quiet and solitude of my craft. For me, pottery is a passion and a compulsion — I am fascinated by the feel of clay, the adventure of experimenting with new techniques, and the excitement of opening the kiln to reveal a finished piece.
How did your journey into pottery begin?
Although I have always been a bit “arty farty”, pottery came to me relatively late. Trained as an architect, I spent fourteen years abroad working in architecture and interior design across Abu Dhabi, Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore before discovering ceramics at a Hong Kong studio in the 1990s. Returning to England in 1994, I set up my own studio, completed my City & Guilds in Ceramics in 1999, and have since exhibited widely, with my work available at Guildford House Gallery and galleries across England and Scotland.
What is the inspiration behind your work?
My inspiration comes from the forms found in nature which surround me. This could be anything from giant fruit and vegetables, seed pods and animals.
I also draw inspiration from other people’s work; seeing other sculptors’ pieces ignites innovative ideas of my own. For example, I visited a Henry Moore sculpture exhibition at Kew Gardens and had a moment of revelation that if I wanted to create bigger sculptures, I could create all the elements then cluster them together.
I went home and created the Plumpkin, a giant pumpkin made up of separate segments and a stalk, of which I am immensely proud.
Although I work throughout the year, I look forward to spring. It is like emerging from the dark and I feel more motivated. Winter can be a challenge because you are handling wet cold clay, whereas summer is great as the clay dries quicker and you work faster.
What material do you use and what is the process?
I use clay to create sculptures. Instead of using armatures as an internal structural framework, I build them hollow, which requires a lot of skill. If the object is big, you must leave it halfway through for the clay to stiffen and stabilise.
The entire process is meditative and a calming experience. It is a very considered process as clay has a mind of its own and an object you are working on can quickly change shape, so you just have to go with it.
I have my own kiln but on occasion I join a group of other artists and we build a pit to smoke fire our work. This is fun as we come back in the morning to discover our creations.
What pieces are you exhibiting at Ramster Garden this year?
This year I am exhibiting two pieces of work which I have just finished, the Penguin and Chick, and Exoticananas which is a large pineapple. I love seeing the sculptures displayed at Ramster, the gardens are very natural which creates a friendly and welcoming environment. I enjoy being one of the stewards at the event telling visitors about the sculptures, and the cake from the Tea House is delicious.
To see Terri’s work and other unique sculptures by Surrey’s most talented artists, visit Ramster Garden during May. Follow the trail around the woodland garden, famous for its incredible collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, which will be in full bloom. All sculptures are available to buy through the Surrey Sculpture Society, which has been championing sculpture across the region for over 30 years.
Guided tours
This year, the Surrey Sculpture Society is offering visitors a chance to learn more about the artists and the stories behind the individual pieces with a guided tour. To book your place, visit surreysculpture.org.uk
Plan your visit
Ramster Garden is open daily 10am–5pm. Garden entry includes the sculpture trail, which follows an accessible route through the grounds. Parking is free and the Tea House serves a seasonal menu of fresh sandwiches, soups, quiches and delicious cakes. Seasonal garden membership is available for those who want to make the most of this beautiful garden throughout spring, summer and autumn.
Getting there: Ramster Garden, Petworth Road, Chiddingfold, Surrey GU8 4SN. Approximately one hour from central London by car or take the train to Haslemere with onward connections.
Admission
Adults £12 | Groups (15+) £11.50 pp (pre-booking required) | Children 5–16 £3 | Under 5s free | Registered disabled £5
For more information, visit ramsterevents.com.
