My evocative, abstract paintings are a personal response to landscapes experienced and remembered. Akin to visual poems, each piece is inspired by memories of times spent immersed in nature. Through an experimental and intuitive process, the layers of paint, collage and wax, are built up to create depth, texture and atmosphere.
Plants collected from estuary walks are brought back to the studio and used as mark making tools and reference points to inspire my work. Handmade collage papers from botanical prints and photography are often embedded within the layers of my work, adding a sense of mystery and provenance.
I am currently exploring the theme of overlooked beauty through recording and responding to the hedgerows and wild spaces along the sea wall, just metres from my studio in a shipping container on The Thames Estuary in Essex. Through my work, I aim to engage the viewer in a visual journey which may lead them to reflect on their own personal memories of nature.
www.clairehankeyartist.com
Claire Hankey is a British abstract artist creating atmospheric and evocative, nature inspired artworks. Her paintings offer viewers a space for calm contemplation, a moment of stillness and connection.
Claire studied History of Art at University College London, specialising in British Landscape Painting. She is a self taught artist practising primarily in mixed media techniques. Claire is represented by Aldeburgh Contemporary Arts in Suffolk, Milieu Studios in Cornwall and The ArtBuyer in Hampton Court London.
Past exhibitions
The Society of Women Artists- 2019, 2025.
The ArtBuyer, Hampton Court- Spring Show, 2025.
Milieu Studios, St Ives, Cornwall- Winter Show, 2024.
The Clifftown Telephone Box Museum- 'Reach out' Installation- Spring 2024.
The Leigh Art Trail- 2022 - 2025.
The Tarpey Gallery, Midlands- Summer Show 2024.
Wells Contemporary Art (WAC)- Wells Cathedral 2023.
The Lightbox, Woking- Group Show 'The Pull of the Land' 2023.
Aldeburgh Contemporary Art - 'Equinox' Autumn 2022.
Create 98, Leigh on Sea. Solo show 'Foraged Marks' -2022.
