
Artwork for Claire Billingsley

hand built black dogs

hand built black sgraffito pots

hand built Indian Runners

hand built large bowl

hand built puffins

hand built bird bath

hand built sculptural form

hand built hares
Details
I work in stoneware clay using hand–building techniques, coiling, slabbing and press moulding. I create work that is both functional and/or sculptural which can happily live in or out doors. Form and colour dominates my work which is inspired by nature and my love of art history. My work is bold and striking and I am constantly striving for excellence and precision in my creations.
Art in one form or another has always been an important part of my life and I am constantly extending my repertoire which ignites my imagination and feeds my soul. My twenty plus years of teaching has honed my artistic skills in a variety of media including drawing, painting, sculpture and printing. However my love of ceramics is my preferred media. I am constantly extending my repertoire which ignites my imagination and feeds my soul.
I am a ceramic artist working in stoneware clay.
I enjoy teaching and host regular workshops in my studio for individual sessions or small groups, mainly in clay but I also teach drawing and painting. I have run short term projects in schools locally and in Birmingham. I work on commissions and collaborations and my work is exhibited in galleries, fairs, open studios and markets. Most days will find me in my studio at home developing my work and building upon stock.
I studied a degree in ceramics at Cardiff in the 1990's where my passion for hand building developed. Following graduation I became an artist in residence, a year at Howell's girls school in North Wales and then a year at Pangbourne College in Berkshire. These two years lead me into teaching art and design full time at King's Gloucester for 19 years, 16 of which I was Head of Art, Design and Technology.
However the time came for me to focus upon my own creativity, so in 2016 I became a self employed ceramic artist, a frightening venture initially but utterly fulfilling and rewarding both artistically and financially.
Trumpet Tearooms and Gallery
Markets and fairs in Ledbury, Malvern, Hereford, Cirencester, Moseley, Hay on Wye, Brecon,
h.Art
Take 4 Gallery, Ledbury
Blue Magpie, Elmslie House
Spring garden Show and the Autumn Fair at the 3 Counties Show Ground, Malvern
Worcester Museum and Art Gallery
Mango Juice, Worcester
Mango Juice, Worcester
Take 4 Gallery, Ledbury