The Dublin-based French artist and muralist is known for her colourful, bold, and minimal style inspired by the Cubist art movement…
How do you define your art?
My art delves into the complexity of relationships and human interactions, telling stories through deconstructed figures, lines, and expressive colourful shapes. I try to capture the essence of human experience, celebrating diversity. I am inspired by everyday life and emotions, and human experiences.
How and where do you work?
I mostly work from my studio space in Dublin 1 and sometimes at home or on the go. The studio space is where I can experiment and use paint, while I can work on digital projects on my laptop.
Who or what was instrumental to your artistic journey?
I’ve always known I wanted to use my drawing skills in my job in some way. I studied product and graphic design because it seemed like a good way to get a job but I quickly realised the potential of illustration and working for myself. People I have met along the way in the creative field in Dublin, and particularly the Fumbally Exchange (a creative co-working space) have shown me that it is possible to be in an inspiring community while being self-employed. My dad was always drawing and painting when I was a child and my grandmother was an artist, so they always encouraged my passion for the arts. I have been very lucky to have had so much support.
You work across various mediums – murals, paintings and textiles. Can you tell us how your work has evolved?
My work is an ongoing process and it is constantly evolving. Something I love about my work is that I get to travel, and work with very diverse groups or clients, inside and outside the studio. The diversity and people I meet along the way have been instrumental in my creative growth, so I am very grateful of the variety this line of work brings me. Illustration can be applied to so many mediums and has so much potential to tell a story. Right now, I am focusing on painting and reconnecting with my craft while leaving the iPad at home, and that has also been very good for me and has brought new directions into my work.
Tell us about your latest collaboration with Fresh Cuts called “Chasing the Sun”…
I’ve always loved Fresh Cuts boutique and have been shopping with them for years. The ethics and design are just great so I was delighted when founder Steven Murphy contacted me. I love the idea of wearing my artwork so I designed a series of patterns, with the goal of launching a small collection this summer. We settled on a very bright print with many interlocking characters in my signature style. I love to mix and merge characters to create these intricate, busy works, so that there is an overall design but you catch up on details and a narrative as you get closer or take a second look.
In the Fresh Cuts print, the characters are relaxing in a tropical environment and are chasing the sun. The 100-piece collection includes a dress, blouse, and trousers, and a men’s summery short-sleeved shirt.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
It has to be the variety, and getting so many incredible opportunities. I am currently doing an artist residency in Indonesia painting a mural with locals in a remote area, and then off to Germany for another project.
Need to know: Claire’s limited edition “Chasing the Sun” collection is available at Fresh Cuts, www.freshcutsclothing.com. Follow Claire on Instagram on @claire.prouvost.
