Claire graduated from Kent Institute of Art and Design in 2002, with a First Class Honours Degree in Ceramics and now works from her own studio in Tunbridge Wells. Her artwork is selling not only in galleries in the UK but also in the United States, where her work has featured in Elle Décor and The Oprah Magazine.
The inspiration for claires ceramic art comes from the amazingly vast range of colours, surfaces and forms found in botanical life forms.
Open Studios is now an established format for artists to present and promote their artwork directly to the public. How long have you been participating in these events?
I've been showing with Open Studios for 9 years now I believe.
Can you tell us how you became involved initially?
I was working part time in a clothes shop in Tonbridge and the lady who owned the shop had a friend who was an artist, Jennifer Taylor. Jenny invited me to share her studio and show with her. I did and have never looked back since.
Do you enjoy the experience?
Most definitely. It is great to meet people and receive feedback on your art work face to face as it is very hard to receive feedback from buyers when you sell through galleries. It has always been very positive experience for me.
What kind of people generally visit your Open Studio?
We always get a complete mixture of visitors, men, women, families, old and young. Some faces are familar and come and see us every year, and some are new faces.
Do you get repeat visitors?
Yes, we get quite a few. Each year I update my mailing list with our visitors, so we can invite them again the following year and to any other events we think may interest them.
Do you find you sell much artwork?
Yes, touch wood, it is normally a very sucessful event for me!
Now please could you tell us a little about yourself:
Did you enjoy drawing/making art as a child?
Yes it was my favourite subject at school, I knew from the age of around 14 that I wanted a career involving the arts.
Which artists do you admire?
Kate Malone, Patrick Heron, Rothko, Lucie Rie, Barbara Hepworh
Which artists do you feel have influenced your work/style?
Kate Malone, I was very fortunate to get work experience with Kate Malone, and her enthusiasm and energy is infectious.
Are you a city or countryside person?
Countryside
Where is your favourite place in the UK and your favourite place outside the UK?
St Ives in Cornwall, or the Ashdown Forest and Groombridge, Hartfield area.
If you weren’t an artist what would you be?
I can't imagine! I work part time in a residential care home for people with mental health difficulties and find it very rewarding, so possibly a support worker.
What is your favourite time of day?
Dinner time! I love food
What is your favourite season?
Autumn, I love the colours and the light you get is a warm golden light in the autumn.
Do you write a blog or keep a diary?
No
What type of books do you like to read?
Thrillers
When you are not creating art what do you enjoy doing?
Eating good food, drinking red wine, walking in the country, looking after my horse Jigsaw, but not all at once!
Have you enjoyed the experience of being a PURE selected artist?
Yes, It's been a great, I've made lots of new contacts, and I won an award. I've had a great year as a Pure Arts member.
Has it had a positive impact on yourself and practice?
Yes, most definitely !