CLAIRE MALET - Download PDF here

My inspiration comes from nature and from the characteristics of the metals I work with.

What interests me is the transformation of materials and objects and their perceived value. I collect and draw natural and eroded forms; often these are 'vessels': sea-worn shells, nutshells, eggshells and bark.  I am inspired by their sculpted shapes, rich textures and colour, their fragility, their cracked and split edges. I have become increasingly interested in the contrasts between these natural containers and man-made containers. A drinks can for example is such a common object, used and discarded, of little beauty or value. A fragment of shell found while walking on a beach can become a treasure, although like the drinks can it did its job and was discarded.

I collect used steel cans and scrap copper with which to work. Each vessel is worked entirely with hand tools. The interiors are gilded with genuine gold leaf and copper leaf, bringing a distinctive richness and volcanic appearance to my work. I take an experimental approach to working with metal, allowing the medium to suggest a direction and often pushing it to the limits of workability, accelerating decay. This has led me to discover techniques that produce qualities similar to those found in nature. Through this process I aim to transform a mundane man-made object into a form to be treasured. The result is a fusion of intentional form and the natural characteristics of the medium.

PERMANENT REPRESENTATION

Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh
Galerie MX, Montreal
Bowlish Contemporary Art Gallery, Shepton Mallet
Lesley Craze, London
Quest, Bath
Mike Gell, Hereford
Designyard, Dublin

INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITIONS

2008
  Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh

2007
  Sara Preisler, Birmingham
  The Model House, Llantrisant

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2008
  Pyramid Gallery, York
  Material, Ludlow
  Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
  Ferrers Gallery, Ashby de la Zouche: 'Reclaim' & 'Heavy Metal'
  FORM, Olympia, London, solo stand
  Edinburgh Art Fair, represented by Bowlish Gallery
  Art in Action, Oxford, solo stand
  Royal Society of Birmingham Artists, Birmingham

2007-2008
  Affordable Art Fair, in London & Bristol, represented by Bowlish Gallery

2006-2008
  Craftspace, touring to Midland Galleries: 'Made in the Middle'
  Origin: The London Craft Fair, Somerset House, London

2007
  Lesley Craze Gallery, London: 'Look what I found'
  Angela Mellor Gallery, Ely: 'Black and White'
  Bianco Nero Gallery, Stokesley
  Wesley-Barrell, Bristol
  dna@FORM, London, Olympia, solo stand

2006
  Royal Society of Birmingham Artists, Birmingham

2005-2007
  Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair, Hereford

2005
  Arts Council West Midlands, Birmingham
  Chelsea Crafts Fair, London, solo stand

2004
  The Metal Gallery, Mayfair, London

RECENT FEATURES

2008
  Period Living

2007
  Crafts
  Craft and Design

2006
  Elle Decoration

2005
  BBC Homes and Antiques

2005
  Elle Decoration

AWARDS

2007
  Best Product Award, Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair

2005
  New Exhibitors Award - Honorary Mention, Chelsea Crafts Fair
  New Exhibitors Award - Winner, Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair

QUALIFICATIONS

2005
  Hereford College of Art, BA (Hons) Contemporary Applied Arts