FANCY PRONK
May 19, 2025
Artist In Residence Solo Art Exhibitions 2025
May 22, 2025
Exhibition runs May 23rd – July 12th, 2025
Opening Reception May 23rd 6pm @Yuill Family Gallery
Artist Talk & Panel June 5th 6pm @Yuill Family Gallery
This exhibition is part of the 2025 Medalta International Artists in Residence program.
There is a realm within our forests that only a select few can see. A society of creatures that play an invisible, yet vital role in our world and in all others. This role is little understood, but for those able to see, there are subtle clues to its nature. This is the world of the Watchers.
The World of the Watchers is an evolving story-building project that interweaves folklore and myth-building with ceramic sculpture. The project began as a search for a greater sense of play and whimsy, in a practice that felt over-thought and overly serious. It has quickly taken on a life of its own, with the characters and story building upon themselves in unforeseen ways. It is both a response to the ever growing threats of climate change, as well as a call to take seriously the art of play and wonder.
Artist Statement
Stefanie Smith is a Canadian ceramic artist with a wandering spirit. She has been based in Newfoundland, Ontario, Wales, and currently Alberta, and has participated in artist residencies around the world. She completed her Masters in Ceramics at Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2022, has been the recipient of a number of awards, and is a current year long artist-in-residence at Medalta International Ceramics Residency.
Stefanie’s work moves and evolves as much as her home does. While her first clay home was functional pottery, she is now setting down roots in the world of sculpture. Presently her focus is on figuration, the power of play, and the importance of story.
Throughout her journeys through form and process, some elements travel with her, including a passion for ornament, and a draw towards the natural world.
