Muted, Geometric Paintings by Bec Smith

Melbourne-based artist Bec Smith has been practicing art and design for over 20 years. A UX designer by trade, Bec is also known for her distinctive geometric paintings, which have gathered a loyal following in recent years. This latest show at Saint Cloche gallery in Paddington was created while Bec was staying in an off-grid 1970s stone cottage in the Victorian bushland! The works explore the experience of sinking below – of feeling ‘sub’ – secondary, less, underneath.

Sub opens October 16th at Saint Cloche in Paddington NSW, and ventures beneath the surface. Bec gently subverts expectations around vulnerability and the power that can be found in these quiet moments.

Written

Miriam McGarry

Bec Smith with her new exhibition ‘Sub’ at Saint Cloche. Photo – Daniel Mahon.

‘Peace On The Side Of The George’ by Bec Smith. Photo – courtesy Saint Cloche.

‘Shimmy Around The Quarry’ by Bec Smith. Photo – courtesy Saint Cloche.

‘Things We Can Still Touch Through Time’ by Bec Smith. Photo – courtesy Saint Cloche.

‘The View From Here Makes Me See Things Closer’ by Bec Smith. Photo – courtesy Saint Cloche.

‘I Potentially Know Exactly Where We Are’ by Bec Smith. Photo – courtesy Saint Cloche.

‘Set Among The Foundations’ by Bec Smith. Photo – courtesy Saint Cloche.

‘Dissonant Spaces Make Me Sing’ by Bec Smith. Photo – courtesy Saint Cloche.

‘A Continuum Of The Present Moment’ by Bec Smith. Photo – courtesy Saint Cloche.

‘Greeting From Somewhere We Used To Know’ by Bec Smith. Photo – courtesy Saint Cloche.

Writer

Miriam McGarry

16th of October 2019

Artist Bec Smith created her latest body of work while staying in an off-grid 1970s stone cottage. Nestled in Victorian bushland, the property sat up above an expansive valley, which prompted Bec to think about heights, depths, vantage points, and the hidden power of the world beneath the surface. Her work partly reflects on this human desire to extract value from beneath the earth, and the hidden riches that we exploit from the landscape.

The artist connects the geography of landscape with her navigation of more personal emotions and experiences. Bec explains ‘I considered just how much individual inner, personal “gold” could be drawn upon, by simply acknowledging and believing in its quiet limitless existence. And how some things that may remain conserved and undisturbed are in fact more powerful than we could ever know.’

We love the distinctly muted palette of Bec’s work, balanced with her minimalist, clean lines, and expert control of shape and form.

If you’re in Sydney, join Bec at Saint Cloche in Paddington tonight, October 16th from 6pm-8pm to celebrate the opening of Sub!

Sub by Bec Smith
Opening Night Wednesday October 16th, 6-8pm
Exhibition runs October 16 – 27th
Saint Cloche Gallery
37 MacDonald St
Paddington, New South Wales