Mutations in Bloom and Ruff, by Patti Smith

Patti Smith is a fine artist living and working in Burley in Wharfedale. Patti is a former Head of Art, having taught in a north Leeds school for many years. She completed an M.A. in Fine Art at Leeds Beckett University, Leeds. More recently, Patti has discovered the fascinating and intuitive properties of clay, focusing her practice on the creation of wall plaques reimagined as mutated flowers and figures. Patti had the first showing of her ceramic pieces at the Loading Bay, Bradford last December. Patti’s practice is inspired by family connections rooted in the ex-mining town of Mansfield, where she grew up surrounded by the heavy trappings of industry. From this she has been drawn to create surrealistic works that pursue the idea of how nature may mutate when exposed to environmental pollution. Each piece has its own narrative which plays out during the making process. The Elizabethan figures emerged as Patti made a visual link with the flowerlike ruff. She sees this historical period as the launchpad for modern technology, which fundamentally extracted heavy human cost. The attached skulls, hearts and flowers to symbolise the weight of technological progress and the human cost embedded within its history. Central to Patti’s creative practice has been her belief in observing beauty, whether it be found in a flower, an old radio valve set or in an industrial setting. Working with clay has allowed her to give physical form to her imagination through sculpted forms, glazes and intricate textures. Patti uses these qualities to harness the narrative within the material, inviting contemplation through the presence of the clay itself. As part of the exhibition programme, we are hosting The Art of Eating event. Our friends at Plenty at the Square will be designing a 4-course menu, inspired by Patti’s artworks. Find out more and book here.