Claire Coles
Shortly after gaining her degree, wallpaper artist Claire Coles was commissioned by Liberty London to create a window display backdrop. It was this, says Claire, that made her realise she could make a successful career out of her art, creating appliqué artwork using papers, silks and leathers, collaged and embroidered freehand.
‘I want to make wallpaper that is full of texture and life. I’ve never worked in repeat pattern – I want the patterns to grow across the surface, as if they’ve come to life,’ Claire explains. ‘I’m inspired by the natural world and my pieces are a contemporary take on traditional chinoiserie wallpapers; crossing boundaries between interior decoration, painting and fine art. I try to create motifs that have a subtle and unobtrusive beauty.’
Claire’s unique wallpapers and murals start life as pencil sketches. ‘I then hand-cut papers, leathers and silks and collage them. I use the sewing machine in a very loose and sketchy way to draw the materials together.’ Colour is a key factor, as is the composition of negative and positive spaces in the designs.
Formerly living in London, Claire now works from her studio in Norfolk. ‘The move has given me time to develop new work and ideas,’ she says. ‘Visiting certain cities or countryside locations can trigger an idea. For example I have spent a lot of time in Miami, so there are several pieces in my collection inspired by the colours of the art deco district and the tropical flora.’
There is much in store for the rest of the year. ‘I am planning my first curated show at the Fairhurst Gallery in Norwich. And I have a licensed collection of artwork launching with new US brand Casa Branca. I also have some private commissions on the go.’ In addition, Claire is also part of Future Icons, which represents design and craft-led businesses, and she is due to exhibit with them at The Future of Craft later this year.
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Claire Coles’ designs are handmade in her Norfolk studio
Laburnum was inspired by collages by Matisse
Detail from appliquéd framed artwork Golden Parade. Claire uses a sewing machine as others would use a pen or a pencil in a loose and fluid way as she intricately stitches her motifs together.