Pat Smith - Environmental Artist

Hello and welcome to my website and my work.

As you can see from the photos much of my work is using willow to create sculptures both large and small. My projects vary from working as part of a team to build scaled replicas such as Concorde (on display at Manchester Airport Aviation Viewing Park) and Stephenson's Rocket (at St Ann's Primary School in Rainhill) to working with children to make their own weaving and sculptures and also to making commissioned sculptures which can be anything from life-size human figures to fantasy creatures.

Drawing on a background that includes printmaking, textile design, face painting, photography and criminology (it’s a long story!) I also work with children in both school or community settings. Children's projects include many aspects of artwork using recycled and sustainable materials. Other topics have crept into my work, both by request and by natural progression, such as developing gardens in schools for growing food and re-engaging children with the food growing process. Exploring soil, insect life, plants and food whether it be making compost, releasing the aroma of spice seeds or making shelters for beneficial insects are all part of this exciting process.

I love hearing the children talk about their own ideas on environmental improvements and concerns many of which demonstrates their own awareness.