1. If you weren’t an artist, what else would you be?
A Veterinarian.
2. Can you tell us more about your work and what are the main ideas you would like to express?
My work is concerned with visual eclecticism, the combination and contrasting of different styles within one work.
My recent paintings have been concerned with the dynamic interplay of organic and organized forms, complimentary and contrasting colour, pattern, mark and void.
I’m obsessed with colour, my aim is to create visual spaces that compel the audience to want to explore the forms, colours and patterns as if they are entering the actual works themselves.
3. How do you start the process of making work?
Pump up the music and just go with the flow.
4. Do you consider the viewer, when making your work?
Yes and No . I suppose I am trying to create something that excites me and there is definitely an element of wanting to share that experience with others and to inspire and excite them as a result.
5. Name 3 artists that have inspired your work?
Charline Von Heyl, Albert Oehlen & Katharina Grosse
6. Name 3 of your least favourite artists.
John Curran, Martin Creed and Sarah Lucas. It’s not that I think they are bad artists; I just don’t particularly like their work.
7. What defines something as a work of art?
For me it has to be a visual experience and something that doesn’t need a manual to understand it.
8. In times of austerity, do you think art has a moral obligation to respond topically?
No I don’t agree, I don’t think artists are morally obliged to do anything other than explore and develop the creativity within themselves and the world around them and therefore creating a positive up lifting experience which incites hope and joy and encourages the viewer to see things differently.
9. Anytime, any place – which artist’s body would you most like to inhabit?
William De Koonings in New York at the height of the Abstract Expressionists.
10. What is your favourite ‘ism’?
Surrealism
11. What was the most intelligent thing that someone said or wrote about your work?
‘Creating a unique and visceral experience for the viewer”
12. And the dumbest?
No dumb remarks yet!
13. Which artists would you most like to rip off, sorry, I mean appropriate as a critique of originality and authorship?
None, I love to be inspired by the energy of other peoples’ work but that’s it, it would be pointless otherwise.
14. Do you care what your art costs? State your reasons!
Of course, it is very important. The ideal is to be able to live solely by the income of ones art.
15. If MoMA, The Tate and The Pompidou wanted to acquire one of your works each, which would you want them to have?
My large scale works so they have the space to breathe.
16. What’s next for you?
New work and new shows and hopefully lots of travel.
See more work from Clare at Jester Jaques Gallery
