Oliver Smith - MMM

With a family background in jewellery and metalwork Canberra artist Oliver Smith began his tertiary studies in the Jewellery & Object Studio at Sydney College of the Arts, The University of Sydney, and completed his Bachelor of Visual Arts in 1995.

This was followed by a period of work experience - modelled on the traditional journeymanship - which saw him work for significant silversmiths and metalworkers in Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Germany and England.

Returning to formal study in the Gold & Silversmithing Workshop at The Australian National University School of Art, Oliver gained First Class Honours in 2000, and a Master of Philosophy in 2003. The recipient of numerous awards and with a growing international profile, he now combines a vigourous craft and design practice with lecturing at Sydney College of the Arts.

Oliver recieved the Australia Council Maker to Manufacturer to the Market (MMM) grant in 2006 to manufacture and distribute three stunning stainless steel cutlery pieces.These items, named Arc cheese knife, Dorsal serving blade and Petal condiment spoon are featured in the Freestyle exhibition (Object Gallery 2007).

The cutlery pieces have been manufactured in collaboration with Hycast Metals, specialists in producing high-quality precision castings and finished components.The collaboration between Smith and Hycast, which generally services the construction industry, is an important innovation.