Claire Chandler was born in Hereford yet spent much of her childhood living abroad. This developed into a love of travel and experiencing new places. Claire graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from The University of Northumbria in 1997 with the Terry Stephenson Prize. She has since been runner up for the Celeste Art Prize, has had regular exhibitions in and around London. She currently lives and works in Carshalton, Surrey. “My work is a direct response to my surroundings, visual memories of places I have lived, travelled to or explored. Colour, shape and form evoke responses in both the artist and the spectator – often these responses are indefinable. Through a layering of colour and a richness of surface, I invite the viewer to wander and explore, creating their own personal journey.”
Self-taught or art school?
I completed my BA(Hons) in Fine Art at the University of Northumbria, Newcastle. I specialised in painting and am always grateful for the fantastic tutors that helped me along my journey, Geoff Hands, Keith McIntyre and visiting artists Dexter Dalwood and Louise Hopkins.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
I wrote my dissertation on Peter Lanyon and Rothko. I love colour field painting and the idea that colour can bring about a change of mood or emotion so it would either be Rothko ‘White Centre’ or Peter Lanyon’s ‘Drift’. Seeing the colour and energy in Lanyon’s paintings first hand at the Courtauld in 2015 was such a memorable experience. To me, this painting captures perfectly that energy of the air currents combined with the calm quietness of floating in the sky; the moment that the glider is released from the powered plane towing it – I can really feel that moment of silence, the mix of colours – soft chalky whites and greys with just a flash of yellow ochre and cobalt blue. Beautiful!
How would you describe your style?
My paintings are abstract yet begin from observational drawings. I am constantly inspired by the skies, seasons, trees, the changing landscape and exploring nature, a sense of passing time and place. I have a real passion for colour and how it connects with me emotionally.
Is narrative important within your work?
I do have a narrative, it’s something that has accrued over time from things seen and experienced through my response to the landscape and is translated from memory into marks and motifs.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
I have so many favourites! Howard Hodgkin for his use of colour, Frank Bowling’s paintings for their luminosity and Gillian Ayres’ incredibly bright and celebratory paintings are the epitome of joy to me! I love Helen Frankenhaler’s work for her intense colour, Joan Mitchell for her mark-making and many contemporary artists too such as Victoria Morton and Day Bowman.
What or who inspires your art?
The forces of nature, weather, changes of seasons and travel to a new place always sparks my creativity.
Are there any recurring themes within your work and can you tell us about them?
I am always aware of space and finding a sense of calm within my work. The spaces are just as important to me as the marks.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
At the end of my garden. I used to have a studio with ASC in Streatham but it wasn’t practical when the children were young so I had space built. It meant I could run up there for an hour at a time! It’s north-facing and has wonderful natural light. I thought I would miss that interaction with other artists but I’m so lucky to be part of some wonderful artists’ communities locally and online. These connections I have made are hugely important to me as making art can be quite solitary. I love my studio space so much, it’s my place of sanctuary and calm. I have masses of art books and exhibition catalogues that I love to leaf through, my floor is littered with brushes and pots, it’s messy but I know where everything is… most of the time!
Do you have any studio rituals?
Yes, I like to start early in the day when I have the most energy. Drinking tea and sitting in a chair to look at my works on the wall is important! I never underestimate thinking time, it’s important for me to decide where my paintings are going next.
What are you working on currently?
I am excited to be taking part in the Other Art Fair in Shoreditch next month. I have been finishing off and framing a selection of my most recent work ready to hang at The Truman Brewery. Next week I am going to the Mall Galleries to see one of my paintings that has been selected for the Annual exhibition for the Royal Society of British Artists.
I’ll soon be starting a new series based on a final road trip in our family campervan. It will be emotional! We are heading to Scotland to explore the Outer Hebrides – somewhere I’ve wanted to go to for years and I am so excited to see these wild and remote islands. I’ve already packed my sketchbooks and art materials.
Where can we buy your art?
Come to The Other Art Fair 17-20th March to meet me in person and see my work! Otherwise, all available paintings are on my website www.clairechandler.co.uk
I also have my work for sale with online galleries Art Finder, Rise Art, Wychwood and Saatchi Art
What are your ambitions?
Having the landscape as a starting point for my painting is about appreciating and preserving the world we live in. I teach alongside my professional art practice and encourage others to be inspired by our green spaces. I run weekly drawing sessions outdoors. It doesn’t have to be anywhere exotic, a local park or green space is perfect. Spending time noticing colours and details that you might miss otherwise forges an emotional connection with nature and this I hope will in turn encourage others to protect and preserve what we have.
@clairechandlerart
