Claire Murray
Claire Murray | Ceramics | North Devon
Claire’s ceramic figures are based on an exploration of the complexities of communication. She uses a mixture of clay and sculptural processes – including rolling of slabs, pinching and coiling before finishing/colouring with crayons, glazes and transfers.
They reflect her enduring fascination with the human face and form. Speech does not always convey fully what we might need or wish to say. Claire’s sculptures, each of which may take three or more days to model, are not meant to portray physiological accuracy. Rather, each piece is trying to express - however imperfectly - an understanding of the human condition. Her figures seek to communicate strength and tenderness as well as physical vulnerability.
Her inspiration comes not only from direct observation but from studying human representations across a very wide range of objects from medieval stone carvings to ancient and contemporary African and Asian sculptures. Claire’s work is constantly evolving. This is reflected both in the sculptural forms themselves and in the different visual metaphors and related symbols that she chooses to employ.
Claire has been invited to exhibit in America, Germany, The Netherlands, Slovenia and Romania. She has been a Selected Member of the prestigious Craft Potters Association since 2003.