ABOUT

CLAIRE FAIRWEATHER - mosaic art and design

A naturally creative person with a strong flair for design, Claire originally trained as a landscape architect in the UK, but has always studied and practiced art, craft and design in some form. Gaining extensive experience during her lifetime, she has tried most types of painting media and many crafts, regularly selling her work through craft fairs, exhibitions and galleries. 

Since moving to New Zealand, in 2009, Claire has settled on her medium of choice – polymer clay. 

“I love to bring texture and pearlescent colour into my work and polymer clay allows this in such creative ways. There are so many different techniques you can use; I like to incorporate samples of these in my work. Polymer clay is such a versatile medium, I don’t think I could ever become bored with it”.

First using polymer clay to make 'Art-Brooches', Claire has gone on design other fashion accessories and one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces, sculptures and other decorative items before settling on creating mosaic art with her own hand-made polymer clay tiles. She is currently developing her signature mosaic style using round tiles. Claire has won several international awards: ‘Best in Sculpture’ (2014), 'Functional Containers' (2017) and 'Wearable Jewelry' (2017), all at the International Polymer Clay Awards.

As a member of the International Polymer Clay Association and the New Zealand Mosaic Art organisation, Claire is keen to promote the versatility of polymer clay as a creative leisure, hobby and fine art medium. She enjoys encouraging others to discover the pleasure of polymer clay and has given illustrated talks, demonstrations and workshops.

AWARDS (NZ/International)

Merit Award in 3D Category - 2019 Estuary Arts Centre Members Merit Awards
People's Choice Award - 2018 Members Merit Awards Exhibition, Lake House Arts Centre
1st Prize in 3-Dimensional category - New Zealand National Mosaic Art Exhibition 2018
Juror's Choice in 'Functional Containers' - 2017 International Polymer Clay Awards
Juror's Choice in 'Wearable Jewelry' - 2017 International Polymer Clay Awards
'People's Choice' - 2016 Puhoi Art Show
'Best in Sculpture' - 2014 International Polymer Clay Awards
'People's Choice' - 2012 Members Merit Awards Exhibition, Lake House Arts Centre


ART/CRAFT/DESIGN QUALIFICATIONS - all taken in the United Kingdom

Sept 2008 - Paper Embellishment for Jewellery and Other Creative Uses (2 day course) at West Dean College, West Sussex, UK. Tutor: Helyne Jennings

Jan 2008 - Glass Fusing for Beginners (2 days) at West Yorkshire Print Workshop, Mirfield, West Yorkshire, UK. Tutor: Liz Danby

2006? - Learning to Love Acrylics (1 day) at Arundel, West Sussex, UK. Tutor: ?

Feb 2005 - Enamelling (2 day course) at Higham Hall, Cumbria, UK. Tutor: ?

June 2002 – Introduction to Mosaics (2 day course) at West Dean College, West Sussex, UK. Tutor: Jo Letchford

Oct 1997 – Introduction to Glass Painting (7 day course) at Flatford Mill, Suffolk, UK. Tutor: Paul Quail

1996 – Stained Glass (1 term evening class) at Rother Valley College, South Yorkshire, UK.

June 1996 – Introduction to Stained Glass (2 days) at West Dean College, West Sussex, UK. Tutor: Paul San Casciani

1987 – MA in Landscape Design (Pass) at the University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK

1986 – Diploma in Landscape Design (Pass) at the University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK

1984 – BSc (Hons) in Landscape Design and Plant Science (Class 1) at the University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK

1981 – A level Art (Grade A) - school

1979 – O level Art (Grade B) - school


EXPERIENCED IN THE FOLLOWING ARTS AND CRAFTS

Painting
mixed media
acrylic
water colour
gouache

Drawing
pen and ink
pencil

Clay
polymer clay
air drying clay

Mosaic
polymer clay
paper
ceramic and glass

Glass
fusing
enamelling
appliqué
painting (craft)
painting (fired)
stained – traditional lead came and copper foil

Papercrafts
paper embellishment
greetings cards
photo mounts
rubber stamping
embossing

Fabric
fabric painting
covered photo frames
patchwork

Miscellaneous
thermoplastic (Friendly Plastic)
stencilling
picture framing
furniture restoration
house decorating (all aspects)
garden design and construction