Fern Smith's artwork is figurative, influenced by social realism, symbolism, 'Dada' movement and modernism. The overarching framework of her work is feminist theory. The intentional use of patterning, colour and form utilising maximum interpretations. The content is representational in form, distilling research on a specific topic. Smith has held seventeen solo and eighteen group exhibitions since 1985. Smith's artworks held in private collections in throughout Australia and in America and England.

Collaborative and research based art projects

2007 - Ongoing - The Creative Team (TCT) formed in 2007 they are; Composer Cathy Connor, Ceramist Ursula and Smith. TCT are working in collaboration toward creating work on women's public contribution to democracy and equality.

2006-2008 Centenary of women's public participation in Victoria 'conversation' - A collaborative project with Women's Electoral Lobby Victoria, League of Women Voters, RMIT, Professor, Soumitri Varadarajan and Liam Fennessy, School of Industrial Design and Smith

2004 - 'disEaseHCV' - A collaborative partnership with the Hepatitis C Council of Victoria, Aids Hepatitis, Sexual Health Line, Access Information Centre at the Alfred, ARCSHS at La Trobe University, City of Melbourne, Department of Human Services, Roche and Roche Diagnostics. The exhibition launched Hepatitis C Week, opened by, the then Honourable Bronwyn Pike, Minister for Health.

2002 - 'waiting' 0n the question has women's position changed since the advent of the second wave of feminism, opened by Kelly Gellatly, then Curator, Heidi MoMA and historian, Dr. Usher.