Artist in residence is expanding her market

Natalie Smith had a busy time in 2013.

While completing her bachelor in applied arts at Whitireia, the Plimmerton artist was also exhibiting throughout Wellington – from Matchbox Studios to TSB Arena.

She then took her work from Wellington to Auckland and on to Kuala Lumpur.

Smith this month became Whitireia’s latest Artist in Residence at Toi Poneke Arts Centre.

She has been provided with studio space at Toi Poneke Arts Centre for the year and will then have a two- week exhibition of her year’s work.

Smith attributed her recent success to her natural inclination towards being driven and paying attention to detail.

She started this year by showing her work in The Young and Gifted exhibition at The New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts.

After that, she has selected works for Kete showing at the academy from February 27 till March 2.

Her primary focus is with paint, print and textiles.

‘‘My most recent work crosses boundaries between object making and painting and is a continuation of my past work that uses the human body as a site for exploration,’’ she said.

She said she would continue to exhibit in selected group shows throughout the year and was planning a collaborative exhibition in Sydney.