Douglas Smith

Studio 16B

Textiles, Weaving, and Ceramics
Whimsical ceramics, rugs, bags, hand-dyed clothing.

My grandmother taught me sewing at an early age. As a result, I have always had a love of textiles. The creative spirit of my youth was further built upon by participation in an extraordinarily rich Theatre Arts scene. In college, I found Interior Design and spent the next several decades designing hotels. During my professional career, my wild side creativity was fed by participating in parade arts, helping to create costumes, floats, and giant puppets for Summer Solstice Celebration in Santa Barbara.

Upon leaving the hospitality industry, and I bought a walking foot sewing machine and began making upholstered seating, cushions and creating a bespoke home furnishings business. I tend to make furniture that feels very personal. I have a knack for being able to use unusual materials in unexpected ways. I enjoy fabric dying and I often incorporate my hand dyed fabric into my work and wardrobe. Recently, I have acquired a loom and have begun weaving my own fabric to create clothing, bags, and home accessories.

I am a latecomer to ceramics, and I am self taught. My working style is informed by my relationship with fabric. When a slab of clay was placed in front of me, I began to see how I could manipulate it like fabric. My most recent ceramic works incorporate hand woven elements after glaze firings.