Oliver Smith

A solo exhibition at the Craft Council space at The Rocks in the mid 90s was my first
encounter with Robert Foster’s work. The objects were like nothing I had seen before. It was
like television going from black and white to colour, and not just in a chromatic sense. The
intensely dynamic and sculptural form language, the ground-breaking range of materials and
finishes, and the evidence of technical skill and innovation were awe inspiring. The next week Rob gave an
artist talk and after the slideshow I was delighted to find him so down-to-earth, affable and
funny. He wanted to know about my latest project and his message was one of
encouragement, to try new things and to break into fresh territory. The adventure of making had just become more
exciting. Fast forward a few years and I had relocated to Canberra to study Honours at the
School of Art. Rob called by the Gold & Silversmithing Studio and invited everyone to a
BBQ at F!NK that Friday night. I rode shotgun in Sean Booth’s hot Nissan Pulsar out to
Queanbeyan, and we turned into Endurance Avenue and were warmly greeted by Rob and
Gretel who ushered us into the gathering community. F!NK became a key part of what
proved to be a period of great artistic and personal growth for me, as I connected with an amazing
group of peers and mentors, many of whom are part of this exhibition. Within this circle of
friendship Rob was a brilliant light, sharing his prodigious energy and offering support and
guidance to everyone around him. I am very proud to be a part of Still Making. Honouring
Rob’s legacy of inspiration and encouragement I see Strata Bowls as a collaboration.
Reflecting on the broader impact of Robert Foster I observe the distinctive qualities evident
in his unique creations, each expressive of a maker that radiated vitality, a maker who
discovered what the world is by actively shaping the materials and forces that the world is
comprised of. For me today, I see and feel the continuation of Rob’s influence on my
practice, the ripple effect of that first encounter over three decades ago reaching the present
moment.