PT (Pete) Smith grew up in an artistic family in Woollahra, Sydney (Pete’s father Eric Smith won many art prizes, including three Archibalds). He discovered a love for photography at the age of 15 and began working as a photographer’s assistant by 17.
In his mid-20s, Pete studied at Sydney College of The Arts before heading to Europe to broaden his artistic horizons. On his return to Australia, he became immersed in experimental theatre and filmmaking, collaborating with composers and dancers on productions staged at venues such as Sydney’s Cellblock Theatre and the Seymour Centre.
In 1994, Pete and his wife relocated to Uki in the Tweed Shire, where they founded The Tin Studio, a successful design studio that operated for many years. It was in Uki that Pete began painting, leading to two solo exhibitions at Waywood Gallery in Byron Bay.
After moving back to Sydney in 2000, Pete continued to paint while also returning to his original passion – street photography.
In 2018, he settled once again in the Tweed region and began developing a distinctive form of 3D art that incorporates canvas, photo paper and wood on board. His current work represents a synthesis of his diverse creative experiences, drawing on photography, painting, film and design to create something uniquely his own.
Below are samples of recent works, from Pete’s Japan, Tweed, Waterlily and Urban series.
JAPAN SERIES
“In Japan there is a wonderful juxtaposition between the bright and shiny main street, and the dust and grit just a couple of blocks back.”
The Golden Smile
Mixed media, framed size 64x24cm (5.8cm deep) see video base of page
Shibuya Pipes
Mixed media, unframed size 40x20cm
Below: Close up angled view
Osaka Afternoon
Mixed media, unframed size 40x20cm (5cm deep)
Below: Close up angled view
Real DJs Play Vinyl
Mixed media, unframed size 40x20cm (5cm deep)
Below: Close up angled view
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TWEED SERIES
“Moving from an urban environment to the Tweed region has taken time to seep through photographically. I’m starting to feel very comfortable now and believe in the future it will be my main focus.”
Betty Blue’s Backyard
Mixed media, framed size 34x34cm (5.8cm deep)
Flight of the Butterfly
Mixed media, framed size 62x22cm (5.8cm deep)
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WATERLILY SERIES
“Coming upon the waterlily pond for the first time I couldn’t believe the beauty. Using circles for my layers, the rich detail and colour made me think of planets and the cosmos rather than a lily pond.”
Brooding lilies
Mixed media, unframed size 30x30cm (5cm deep)
Below: Close ups viewed from left
Phases of the Waterlily
Mixed media, unframed size 90x18cm (5cm deep)
Below: Close up viewed from right
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URBAN SERIES
“I love street photography. Walking with an open mind allowing the urban landscape to unfold and pay particular attention to things you may otherwise walk past.”
Fallen Bike
Mixed media, framed size 64x24cm (5.8cm deep)
Follow the Arrow
Mixed media, unframed size 48x24cm (5cm deep)
Below: Close up
Viva Bendigo
Mixed media, framed size 64x44cm (5.8cm deep)
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Video links
Wondering how Pete’s 3D work looks in real life? View a short video of ‘Rippling Waterliles’ on Pete’s Instagram page (ptsmith.artist), plus ‘Golden Smile’ and ‘Follow the Arrow’…
“The process of my current photography is not a single shot photo, but a series of photos of a particular subject turned into a collage and glued onto a treated board. On this flat surface I build raised layers of particular sections of the base photo, giving a sense of floating in space. These layers cast shadows which create depth, and with changing light and the changing perspective of the viewer, give a sense of movement. It’s a sequential process somewhere between photography and cinematography. In my mind I’m trying to capture a split second.” – PT Smith, photo artist
More Japan, Tweed, Waterlily, and Urban works are available to view upon request
Pete Smith’s original artworks are available either box framed in oak, with non-reflective glass and UV protection (5.8cm deep), or unframed, ready to be hung or framed by you.
His works can be collected from Banora Point in northern NSW (10 mins south of the Gold Coast airport), or couriered directly to you.
Call 0411 631 940 or email petesmithphotos@outlook.com to order or register interest
petesmithphotos.com 