Claire Powell
Artwork for Claire Powell
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
My work centres on creating handcrafted art and objects using reclaimed and natural materials such as pheasant feathers, tweed offcuts, spent shotgun cartridges, seed paper, wood, slate, and mixed media. These materials are carefully reworked into framed artworks, home décor, accessories, and small gift items. The practice is driven by a desire to honour rural traditions while reducing waste and extending the life of materials that would otherwise be discarded. Each piece tells a story of place, season, and countryside culture, balancing rustic character with considered design. Sustainability, provenance, and craftmanship are at the heart of everything I make
For you what does being an artist mean?:
Being an artist means observing the world closely and responding to it with intention and care. For me, it is about translating landscape, memory, and material into tangible objects that connect people to nature and to each other. It also means working responsibly; respecting materials, embracing imperfection, and creating work that has meaning beyond decoration
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
Lugg Country & Co is a rural craft and art practice rooted in countryside heritage, sustainability, and storytelling. The practice sits at the intersection of contemporary craft, recycled materials, and traditional country aesthetics, producing both decorative and functional pieces inspired by the British landscape and rural life.
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
My practice includes:
Designing and producing original handcrafted artworks and giftware
Exhibiting and selling work through markets, shows, galleries, and independent retailers
Community-based craft activities and informal workshops, often linked to wellbeing, memory, and social connection
Collaborative projects using recycled and sustainable materials
Ongoing experimentation with new processes such as laser engraving, mixed media, and seed-paper production
I am particularly interested in how creative activity supports wellbeing and community engagement.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
My artistic practice has developed through hands-on making, continuous experimentation, and years of working within creative and community settings. Alongside building Lugg Country & Co, I have extensive experience designing, producing, and presenting work for public audiences.
My background includes community leadership, project development, and creative facilitation, which strongly informs my approach to inclusive, accessible, and socially engaged art practice. I regularly participate in professional markets, exhibitions, and collaborative projects, and continue to develop my skills through research, peer learning, and practical exploration of materials and techniques.
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
Lugg Country & Co has exhibited extensively at artisan markets, rural shows, and group retail exhibitions across Herefordshire and the West Midlands, including Gloucester Quays Artisan Markets, Shropshire County Show, Tenbury Wells Show, Welland Steam Rally, and group showcases at Collaborative Crafts (Kington) and Teme Valley Artisans (Tenbury Wells).
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
Lugg Country & Co is stocked by independent galleries and artisan collectives including Teme Valley Artisans (Tenbury Wells) and Collaborative Crafts (Kington), alongside selected independent retailers and curated pop-up gallery spaces across Herefordshire and the Welsh Borders.