I wrote about London based artist Claire Brewster for the first time in early 2009. Yep, I have loved her delicate, intricate, paper-cutting work from the moment I saw it. Since then I’ve written about her several times, always keeping an eye out for what she might be up to next! It was so lovely to finally speak to her in person and to hear her story. From a little girl cutting kittens and saucepans out of magazines at the kitchen table, to a full-time artist using those same {although honed} cutting skills to cover gallery walls with lace-like birds. Listen right up there under that stunning bird and his shadow, or subscribe on iTunes.
Ok, a little taste of what I love about Claire’s work:
I mean, come on!? How beautiful are those? All of the old maps? The colors? THAT CUTTING SKILL!? And I’m just getting warmed up. How about these insane shadows, that were basically happy accidents:
Sigh. Stunning. Speaking of which, her metal pieces:
Right? Those birds are insane… they look like metal lace.
Now, we talked about commissions and installations, both of which Claire loves doing. Here’s a peek at a few of my favorites – from a hotel lobby, to a gallery, to a corporate office:
Magical! If you’d like to work with Claire either in a commercial space, or in your home… call her!
And finally, at the end of our conversation we got a little political. She’s working on a new top secret series, but what she could tell me is the premise, and why she’s feeling compelled to move in a new direction. It is simply, and beautifully, this thought:
Yes. Yes we do. Thank you so much to Claire for doing this with me; thanks to Saatchi Art for supporting yet another episode; and of course, thank you so much for listening! There will be more art for your ear next weekend.
Other links:
- Carmen Herrera at the Whitney, NYC
- OLFA knives
- Ian Wallace (Canadian artist I mentioned)
- Zadok Ben David (black/colored metal flower installation)
- “Cut Up / Cut Out” Show at The Bedford Gallery
beautiful, inspiring work Claire! Really enjoyed listening to the podcast too. thanks for posting this Danielle!
Thank you, got goosebumps listening, thank you so so much xxx
thank YOU claire… it was so nice to finally talk to you!
Well Olfa should become a Claire Brewster sponsor at the very least, so impressive! Really enjoyed this interview and I can’t wait to see what’s next for her.
Yes!!! The shadows!!!
I first commented in the middle of the podcast but loved the end part too! Agree with everything you both say about the state of the world and 40+ age!!! Great stuff!
Claire lost me at the snake though…
yeah, i’m not ok with her ok-ness re:snakes. ew.
Long time listener, first time commenter 🙂 Loving Claire’s work, and I’m with you both on embracing the f’it 40(s)!
Yes, yes, yes to MORE LOVE. I too am having so many feelings right now and am excited to see what Claire is working on next!
And regarding snakes, I think Claire is on to something 🙂 Serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, and healing. Kind of on point if you ask me!
xoxo
Unbelievable … Breathtaking…first listen
I appreciated the discussion about using her art to promote more love in the world and less hate. I look forward to seeing how she manifests this. Her work is delicately beautiful. The shadows add a perfect dimension.
Another great interview.