Description:

A pianist and a ceramicist, Eli Gray-Smith was a versatile gay artist who also loved ikebana and weaving. This limited edition publication focuses on Eli’s ceramic works and his life as an openly gay man, in a time when homosexuality was illegal.

Held together with a wraparound and acting as an alternate cover, the first section of the publication looks into his life, studio-practice as a ceramic artist, and relationships with other men. While the second section, with a fluoro-pink screen-printed cover, presents some groundbreaking ceramic works from him.

Through the interleaving of portraits, images, contextual works, and exhibition information, the format attempts to hide then reveal a multifaceted artist and make him visible.

This limited edition hand-stitched publication (100+12APs) was produced on various paper stocks and print techniques, referring to the multiform and multilayered themes Eli explored. The unusual format and materials mirror the vivacity of the artist and his zeal for life.

Eli Gray-Smith passed away peacefully in Dunedin on 7 April 2024 (aged 96)—a life well-lived.