Pilot vessel on duty: Ahead (making way)
2000, acrylic on linen, 167.5 x 99cm
Vessel engaged in underwater operation or dredging
1999, acrylic on linen, 193 x 150cm
Vessel fishing: Astern
2000, acrylic on linen, 167.5 x 99cm
International Code: I
1998, synthetic polymer and hessian on linen, diptych, each panel 195 x 150cm
Untitled (Daymark: Distress)
1995, synthetic polymer on linen, 102 x 183cm
Biography and Qualifications
Born Melbourne, 1964
Currently lives and works in Melbourne
Bachelor of Fine Art, Chisholm Institute of Technology (now Monash University), Melbourne, 1985
Description of Work
The chance discovery of an early-twentieth century book of charting symbols provided the starting point for James Smeaton's most recent body of work, aiding his ongoing exploration of languages of signs, symbols and communicative structures. In the past, Smeaton has been interested in the intellectual and emotional openness of abstract systems of communication - morse code, semaphores, yachting light signals, as well as painting itself - and the continued currency of semi-redundant, even archaic, languages in the present day.
The new works may be read in a number of ways. They may be seen as "pure" painting - layers of paint which convey an emotional state or sense through the interaction of colour, texture and resonance of light, complete within themselves. They could be read literally as maps, the charting symbols operating as a key describing a landscape - rocky or mountainous, stormy or calm - that emerges with and from the paint. Or they may be seen as metaphors for a psychological journey through obstacles difficult to foresee or define.
Awards/Exhibitions
Smeaton has held eight solo exhibitions with William Mora Galleries since 1990. Other awards and exhibitions include:
Collections
Applied Chemicals International, Melbourne; Artbank, Sydney; Council of Adult Education, Melbourne; Deakin University Collection, Geelong; Gadens Ridgeway, Melbourne; Monash University Collection, Melbourne; National Australia Bank Collection, Melbourne; Tamar Collection, Launceston; University of Southern Queensland; Western Mining Corporation
Selected bibliography
CRAWFORD, Ashley, "The Navigator", World Art, inaugural issue, November 1993
DRURY, Nevill (ed), New Art Eight, Craftsman House, Sydney, 1993
HANSEN, David, Four Point Bearing, ex cat, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart, 1994-5
WARDELL, Michael, Moet & Chandon Touring Exhibition and Fellowship, ex cat, Moet & Chandon Australian Art Foundation, Melbourne, 1998