Claire Palastanga
Please could you tell us a little about yourself and your background
I grew up in Tunbridge Wells and have always loved art. Neither of my parents were particularly creative, but both my grandfathers were carpenters. Every year as a teenager we would go to St Ives, Cornwall for holidays. I loved it there, and was particularly inspired by the Barbara Hepworth sculpture garden, and the Tate Gallery. I learnt all about the St Ives group of artists and was especially inspired by Patrick Heron. Strangely I only learnt about Bernard Leach and visited the pottery much later.
Did you have an interest in the arts as a child?
Yes, it was my favourite subject at school
Did you have a formal art education or are you self-taught
I have Art GCSE and A Level. I then went on to do a foundation course in Art and design, before completing my Ceramics degree, in which I gained a first Class Honours. .
Was there a moment or a person or a place in your past that influenced you or you feel set you on the journey to where you are now?
I had the most wonderful art teacher at school, Miss Dodkins, who was incredibly encouraging.
My tutors at college were both very influential, David Crowley and Mike Head. Both were incredibly inspiring. I was also very lucky to gain work experience with Kate Malone, and this also influenced me greatly
I now am lucky to have the wonderful Lesley Samms of Pure Arts Group as my mentor. Lesley helps keep me on track and motivated and has rescued me when I’ve been through a tough period.
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What’s the best thing about being an artist?
Freedom! Having the freedom to do your own thing, work your own hours and be completely yourself.
And the worst..!?
Sometimes it can be hard working on your own, so it’s important to find “your tribe”. I’m lucky to have Pure, and also an amazing group of creative friends.
What has inspired or influenced you?
There are so many things that inspire and influence me - It could be an incredibly long list. I find everyday there is something, be it a beautiful pinecone on a walk, reading about the work of another artist, or just being in my studio listening to inspiring podcasts that keep my thoughts ticking over.
What art destination do you most want to visit?
I love visiting London, there is always so much to see there.
Please tell us about your working environment…
My studio is a large shed at the bottom of the garden. It is a great space but can get very cold in the winter. I have a wheel, lots of shelving and a desk. I’m very lucky to have such a lovely space to work in. My kiln is in my garage now, so I carefully have to carry all my work down the garden to fire it.
Please tell us a little about the process involved in making your art?
Currently, most of my work is created on the wheel. I love throwing and the marks created during this process. I’m also working on some pieces using clay dug locally and am hand building and using moulds for these pieces. I’m looking forward to unveiling them later this year.
Where are you finding ideas and inspiration for your work currently?
I am finding most of my inspiration at the moment from nature on walks with my dog, and through the process of making pieces; I find inspiration in the pieces normally discarded.
If you weren’t an artist what would you be?
Maybe a mental health support worker. I did this for a period whilst also being an artist. I would love to do something outdoors, with nature or animals - I quite like the idea of being a zookeeper, or maybe a gardener.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to make a living out of art?
Keep trying and don’t give up - follow your passion.
Please tell us one unexpected thing about yourself.
I love animals and have a dog, cat and 4 chickens!