Claire Palastanga

CASE STUDY

Can you give us a brief description of yourself and your background?

I am a ceramic artist, potter, maker. I graduated with a BA Homs in Ceramics from Kent Institute of art and Design and now work from my studio in Lamberhurst, Kent. I am also a Mother to two lovely children aged 7 and 3.

Can you tell us briefly about the status of your art practice when you started working with Pure/Lesley

When I started working with Lesley again just over a year ago, my practice had hit a wall. I was lost and a bit overwhelmed with where I wanted my practice to go and what my practice actually was.

How did you first hear about Pure and Lesley?

I first heard about Lesley and Pure many years ago now when Lesley ran and organised the Battle Art Fair.

What challenges/problems/situation necessitated you seeking help?

I was lost within my practice and myself if I’m honest. I was struggling after covid to find my identity and was overwhelmed with becoming a mother and having children.

What were you looking for as an outcome?

I was looking to find a direction and a way forward for me within my artwork. Previously my work was very sculptural and “spikey” but I had lost enjoyment in creating this work, and knew I wanted something different but wasn’t sure what. I’d lost a lot of my confidence, and needed a bit of help.

What made our programme stand out from the others on offer?

I already knew Lesley from my previous artwork and always known her to be helpful, although I didn’t at the time realise just how helpful and amazing, Lesley’s advice would prove to be. I saw a free online art course about finding direction online run by Pure Arts and Lesley and decided to give it a go. Something about the course really spoke to me and I found it was helpful to be accountable to someone and to make a commitment to the course.

What is most appealing about working with Pure/Lesley?

Lesley just gets me! I find Lesley approachable. Her advice takes me out of my comfort zone, but is achievable without feeling overwhelmed or pressured. Lesley knows her stuff, and seems to know just what I need without it ever feeling too much.

What is the biggest transformation you have experienced?

My work has completely changed in the last year, from sculptural to functional and in ways I didn’t think I was capable of. Lesley believed in me, and helped me find happiness again in my practice, and helped me find my practice again. I also feel now more like me, than I ever did before. I am happy again.

How have you implemented the learning you have made?

I have put in small steps. Setting goals and targets for myself that are achievable. I now spend a minimum of 1 day a week in my studio and 1 evening a week on the business side of my practice. I have updated my website, I’m proactive at promoting myself locally and on social media.

What was your initial reaction when you started?

I doubted myself, but the course and energy around the course felt positive.

How has working with Pure/Lesley helped you during the learning journey? 

Working with Lesley has helped me realise and set targets, to reflect on targets and what is important to me. Lesley has gently guided me with support, and also hold me accountable, and has helped to motivate me. Lesley’s energy is infectious.

Has this solution saved you time and helped you grow and progresses faster?

Yes, I don’t think I would be as happy with how my practices has developed or that it would have developed so well without the help and guidance of Lesley and Pure.

Can you share any tangible outcomes?

Having had very low to no sales last year, and only 1 gallery selling my work, I now have my ceramics in over 6 shops and gallery’s locally, and my work is selling.

What have you been most impressed with?

Lesley’s advice - It is spot on.

How do you feel about your career and future potential?

Very happy, and excited about the future.

What plans do you have now for the future that are new? 

I am hoping to create a new range of functional work, develop a new body of sculptural work, show at Made in Oxford this Summer, set up an online shop on my website, develop and grow my mailing list, collaborate with a Garden Designer for some work for display at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

clairepalastanga.com