Amber Smith

Ceramicist & Printmaker
Whakatū, Nelson

Amber Smith works in ceramics with an approach akin to that of a printmaker etching an intaglio plate. Her imagery and text are intuitively hand-drawn, with intricate details carefully carved back through black slip using a stylus. Working primarily with hand-built hearts, vessels, and bowls, each piece is crafted as a unique artwork without the use of transfers or stencils.

Language plays a central role in her practice. Smith often incorporates words into her work, drawing inspiration from Māori whakataukī (proverbs) and waiata aroha (songs exploring the nature of love). These phrases carry a strong emotional resonance, becoming inseparable from the imagery itself and adding layers of meaning and storytelling to each piece.

Alongside her ceramic practice, Smith also creates limited edition prints, continuing her exploration of mark-making, symbolism, and narrative across mediums.