About
About me
About Fiona Smith & Red Rattler Studio
Welcome aboard Red Rattler Studio, a one-of-a-kind creative space nestled on the NSW South Coast.
Hello! I’m Fiona Smith, an artist, designer, and maker based on the stunning South Coast of New South Wales, Australia. I create from a truly unique space — a lovingly restored 1953 Red Rattler train carriage that now serves as my studio, gallery, and creative sanctuary.
Red Rattler Studio is more than just a workspace — it’s a story in itself. Restoring the carriage was a passion project shared with my husband: I dream up the ideas, and he brings them to life with his steady hands and practical know-how. Together, we’ve transformed this slice of railway history into a one-of-a-kind creative hub.
My art is inspired by the natural world — from sunlit coastlines to ancient bushland, forest canopies, and the ever-changing sea. I work across mediums including digital illustration, stained glass, sculpture, painting, and photography. Art gives me a way to slow down and pay attention. I’m drawn to the patterns and moods of the natural world — and through my work, I aim to share something of that wonder. Whether through paint, glass, or illustration, I hope to offer pieces that feel honest, grounded, and connected to place.
Whether you’re here to browse, collect, or simply be inspired, I invite you to explore my work and take a little piece of the journey home with you.
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Artistic background
My art practice has evolved through years of self-directed learning, hands-on exploration, and a strong commitment to refining my skills. I’ve completed a wide range of structured, skills-based programs and workshops, studying with respected artists and craftspeople across several disciplines.
Rather than following a traditional academic path, I’ve built my experience through continual practice, experimentation, and real-world application. I also collaborate at times with my husband, whose metalwork often complements my sculptural projects and adds a functional, tactile dimension to my work.
This diverse background has allowed me to develop a flexible and layered approach — one that values craftsmanship, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail
What I do
Creative works across multiple mediums, inspired by wild coastlines, natural light, and everyday beauty.
My digital illustrations are inspired by the places I spend time in and feel connected to — especially the coastal and bushland landscapes of the NSW South Coast, where I live with my family. Many pieces are drawn from bushwalks, holidays, and everyday moments in nature, both local and further afield.
I start with my own photographs and rework them into stylised illustrations — staying true to the feel of the place while gently simplifying and softening the scene. The process blends photography and digital drawing, using clean lines, smooth tonal layers, and sunlit colours inspired by vintage travel posters.
Each piece is available in a range of formats, from fine art paper to canvas and metal — made to bring a sense of calm, connection, and natural beauty into contemporary spaces.
This collection is a way of celebrating the landscapes and moments that shape my life — drawing on the charm of classic print styles while offering a fresh and personal perspective.
Photography is an essential part of my creative process. I use it to capture light, landscape, and detail during bushwalks, travels, and everyday moments near home.
These images often form the foundation for my illustrations, paintings, and stained glass designs — helping me preserve the feeling of a place while developing new work.
I create stained glass using both copper foil and traditional leadlight techniques, blending classic craftsmanship with contemporary design. My work often features native birds, animals, and botanical forms, and I enjoy incorporating reclaimed materials such as driftwood and antique glass to add texture and individuality.
Each piece is handcrafted in small batches or made as a one-of-a-kind design, ensuring no two are exactly the same. Most works are created as hanging stained glass panels, designed to be displayed in windows without the need for structural changes. These accessible, light-filled pieces allow anyone to enjoy the timeless beauty of stained glass in their home. Every panel is made with care and attention to light, colour, and composition.
My painting and drawing practice spans gouache, watercolour, oils, and pencil, with a focus on light, form, and atmosphere. While I often draw inspiration from local landscapes, my work also features animals, particularly birds, fish, frogs, and other wildlife — celebrating the details and character of the natural world.
I work across both paper and canvas, combining traditional techniques with a more exploratory, mixed-media approach. Many pieces incorporate ink, graphite, and touches of gold or silver leaf to enhance texture and depth. I enjoy experimenting with layering and blending materials to create expressive, detailed compositions. These works complement my stained glass and digital art, offering a hand-crafted, tactile perspective on the environments and creatures that inspire me.
I’m drawn to salvaged materials — driftwood found on beach walks, offcuts from the shed, bits and pieces with a story in them. There’s something grounding about working with what’s already around us, both for the sake of the environment and the beauty of giving things a second life. I like finding a balance between that raw, weathered character and more thoughtful, refined shapes. I’m especially drawn to how coloured glass catches the sunlight outdoors — casting shifting reflections that move with the weather and time of day. Working in three dimensions lets me explore texture, movement, and space. Many of these works feature forged metal elements made in collaboration with my husband, a skilled blacksmith and metalworker whose craftsmanship brings strength and structure to each design.
Contact
Fiona Smith
0417 244 597- redrattlerstudio@gmail.com
- Cutharich Pl, Moruya NSW Australia