The most awful sculptures, if you can call them that, have appeared on Dover’s Esplanade. But, not to even talk about the sculpture’s merits or otherwise, the siting of them is so insensitive and takes no account of the existing work. It is almost as if someone thought there was art there already so it would be ok to stick some more in at an “arty” angle. It is depressing. (see also my comments on my news page: http://www.studio308ltd.co.uk/news/new-sculptures-appear-on.html)
Clare Smith's mixed English/Chinese heritage informs her perspective on issues of identity and categorisation. Her nomadic childhood and early adulthood have meant a somewhat ambivalent relationship to place, reinforced by the sense of ambiguity that comes from her mixed identity. Smith works with drawing, print media, collage and moving image to investigate this ambivalence, with references to craft, the importance of labour and the handmade. Through her choice of materials and approaches, she creates work which attempts to create a sense of unity, an interpretation of Homi Bhabha's "Third Space" - seen as a space in which different parts can come together to challenge dominant ideas of wholeness. Collaboration is part of Smith’s practice and she is also co-founder of Dover Arts Development (DAD) together with painter, Joanna Jones. This involves working with many different artists, curation, organisation, event management, creating networks across East Kent and influencing the public realm in Dover. Clare works from a studio in Dover. She has an MA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins and has exhibited nationally and internationally.
