SMITH, JOAN (1916-2004)

“Untitled (Flame)” (1977)
Mixed media on board
100 x 100cm
Signed lower right
*private collection, Sydney
 
Smith (nee Cazneaux) was a respected Australian Abstract Artist, & leading Printmaker. Joan was the fifth daughter of Australia's most important 20th century photographer, Harold Cazneaux (1878-1953). She was also the mother of important Australian Entrepreneur, record-breaking aviator, philanthropist & political activist, Dick Smith (1944-). Joan studied commercial arts at East Sydney Technical College in the early 1930s. However, due to the Great Depression, the lack of available jobs forced Joan to work as an assistant in her father's photographic studio from 1934-1940 (when she was married). During World War II, Joan's artistic output ceased as she focussed on raising her new son, Dick, & also life as a housewife while her husband, Herb, served in the army from 1943-1945. She didn't return to art until after her father died in 1953. She studied printmaking under Joy Ewart, & established the Workshop Art Centre in 1963. During this time she studied printmaking, painting & sculpture. She showed my work at workshop exhibitions, demonstrated print-making, & held solo exhibitions at respected galleries around Sydney. In 1970, she formed the influential, The Print Circle, & was made a member of the Sydney Print Makers, the highest accolade for the medium. She won several awards & continued sold out solo exhibitions around Sydney, to great acclaim. A prolific charity supporter, she received the Australia Day Medal for achievement on 26 January 1990 from the Australia Day Council, & later received the NSW Premiers Award.