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. She also creates mosaic artworks, with her own hand-made polymer clay tiles, sculptures and other decorative items. Winner of a ‘Best in Sculpture’ award at the 2014 International Polymer Clay Awards, Claire is currently developing her signature mosaic style using round tiles.
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. Through illustrated talks, demonstrations and workshops, she enjoys encouraging others to discover the pleasure of polymer clay.
AWARDS (NZ/International)
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
