Commencing with 'Cathedral Cove' an oil painting executed in New Zealand, 2006, 'Chapters' showcases a selection of works exploring distinct periods in Claire's artistic career. These phases are marked by her time spent in NZ, Surrey, Kent and finally Torbay, the birth of her two children and diverse roles in the education sector. Throughout, Claire's desire to create and share has underlined her practice, from tutoring in the local community of Tokoroa in New Zealand, through to her current commitment to the Medical Tuition Service in Torbay.
"There will always be people that are excited to pick up a pencil, brush, tablet or camera and may feel confident in their creations, and also those that are apprehensive about making a mark, being good enough, reaching their own or others expectations. There are many, maybe even most, who would identify with both. Whether I'm focused on my own journey or that of my students, I endeavour to find real joy and connection with the creative, artistic process."
'Chapters' features an eclectic mix of work including landscape oil paintings, print making, mixed media, character illustrations and sketchbook studies. Responses to landscape and coastline continue to feature and the local Cabbage Trees (Torbay Palms) give Claire a nostalgic connection to her creative freedom in New Zealand.
In her recent work, Claire is influenced by artists who have had the greatest impact on her; Sophie Abbot, Tessa Pearson, Barbara Rae, Pam Carter and Pierre Bonnard. Marked by a desire to take more risks and not overthink creative choices, her pieces are becoming more spontaneous, with close attention being paid to colour, layering and mark making.
