about

Claire painting in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park

I am an artist.  I am a teacher.  I love learning.  I love exploring.  I love the constant reminders that my students give me about being an artist at heart always and about love for art.

I grew up in an extremely close family, always enjoying the camaraderie of the people and the animals in my life. The restaurant business has surrounded me since I was a child. Despite being born and raised in Georgia, I spent most of the weekends in the winter snow skiing in North Carolina and appreciating the mountains. I am the person that I am today and I value the things that I do because of my upbringing and the wonderful opportunities that I have had in my life such as studying in London, participating in mission trips, living in Park City for three amazing years, experiencing the stunning landscapes of the mid-western mountain states, and now being a teacher. My influences are too numerous to mention.

Some people might call me “scatter-brained” in the variety found in my art. I prefer to think that I notice the small things around me and have a memory for seemingly insignificant things. I do not mind receiving the same criticisms that Picasso received.

Live Paint after the opening of her 2010 show at The Strand in Marietta, Georgia

The materials that I work with are “scattered-brained” as well. For most of my artistic life I have predominantly used charcoal, pastels, encaustic, and paint. I now am learning a bit of photography, sculpture with ceramics, and printmaking. New materials challenge me and returning to my trusted materials after dabbling with the new challenges me as well.

I give thanks to God for giving me the eyes to see, the easily-distracted mind to notice, and the heart to create.

resume

Education:

• 2007: University of Phoenix Online, MAED Secondary Education
• 2003: Creative Circus, Graphic Design program, Atlanta, Georgia
• 2002: Presbyterian College, B.F.A. fine arts, Clinton, South Carolina
• 2000: American Intercontinental University, London, England, figure drawing and fashion

Solo Shows:

• 2010: Musician Series, The Earl Smith Strand, Marietta, GA
• 2009: “5,941 Miles,” The Earl Smith Strand, Marietta, GA
• 2005: “Expressions,” Kimball Art Center, Park City, UT
• 2004: “Tranquility,” Marc Raymond Spa, Park City, UT

Group Shows/Events:

• 2011: Spotlight on Art, Trinity School, Atlanta, GA
• 2010: Metro Montage, Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, Marietta, GA
• 2009: Metro Montage, Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, Marietta, GA
• 2009: “A.R.T.” and “Escape”, V.Boggs Gallery, Suwanee, GA
• 2008: Metro Montage, Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, Marietta, GA
• 2008: “Inspired” and “Renew” V.Boggs Gallery, Suwanee, GA
• 2008: Lil’ Chickens of Marietta, Game Hen & Strand Chicken, Marietta, GA
• 2006: Two Week Boutique, Atlanta, GA
• 2006: Metro Montage. Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, Marietta, GA
• 2004: “Discovery” Marc Raymond Spa, Park City, UT
• 2004: “Seasons Turning” Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, Marietta, GA
• 2003: Cow Parade Atlanta. “Peach Cowbler” regional cow, Atlanta, GA
• 2003: “This Land is Our Land” Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, Marietta, GA
• 2002: “Is This Art?” Harper Center at Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC