Claire Prenton - Inspiration

Inspiration

I’d like to share with you an insight into what inspires my work and how I develop my ideas and designs. As I work on new pieces I will update this website and share what I’ve found.

I am a collector. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always collected. I love the seeking, the joy of acquiring, the organizing and cataloging my finds and then the displaying. My collections include pebbles, shells, driftwood, keys, beads, buttons, fabrics, bottles, beaded purses, and china.

This love of collecting is a strong inspiration in my art.

Sketchbook

I always keep a sketchbook and I work in the same book for a long time (my current book for the past two years) until no space is left and I’m forced to move on. I will revisit the same page over and over again adding more and more items. My sketchbook becomes a very fat visual diary; all my work starts here.

Design Sheets

Once an idea is born I’ll clarify my ideas on a design sheet. My finished piece may not look like my original design but I find that this process helps me develop the look or feel that I'm seeking in the piece.

Development of Ideas

Once I start to work on a piece I find it starts a whole new set of ideas, a whole new set of inspirations, so I’m never working on one piece in isolation.

Influences

I have an eclectic taste when it comes to enjoying the work of others that have inspired my own art work.

I love the work of the Yixing potteries, Majolica, Palissy, Delft, Clarice Cliff, Susie Cooper, Betty Woodman and Eva Zeisel. I also enjoy the work of contemporary ceramic artists such as Carol Gouthro, Susan Beiner and Kurt Weiser. Botanical art and designers such a Tord Boontje and Marimekko. And vintage fabric designs.

I told you it was eclectic!

Flickr

Please take a look at my Flickr photostream for up to date photographs of work in progress, my current inspiration and a peek in to my very busy workroom.