Gertrude Graham Smith, also known as Gay Smith, is a studio potter educated at Harvard, Findhorn, and Penland School. She single fires porcelain ware in a soda kiln near Penland School in western North Carolina where “keeping up with the Jones’s” means making strong innovative work. Gay has been an artist-in-residence at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana; a short-term resident at Penland School; and on the faculty/staff of the Findhorn Foundation in Northern Scotland. Her teaching credits include Penland School and the Harvard Ceramics Studio. Her work is represented internationally.

Gertrude Graham Smith's pottery is shown at 25 Commercial Street, Wellfleet

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"Making pots: the essential elements of life are involved: Earth, Water, Air and Fire. A fired pot is a talisman, surviving for eons; I must make well and with awareness. As in the ancient art of alchemy, the elements combine through the mediation of the potter to create form: new pots. Are these objects philosopher’s stones, dirt transformed to gold? In addition to function and aesthetic pleasure/innovation, I trust that consciously-made pots carry some ineffable ability to inspire, heal, and transform. Embedded in the stone of fired clay are qualities that may be conveyed or enhanced through use or enjoyment. A hand grasps a handle; compassion arises in the heart. I trust that beauty and life will be brought into the lives of those who use my pots." - Gay Smith