Claire Butcher

claire.4444@hotmail.co.uk

Claire’s work explores a range of different ideas and techniques through a non representational process. The term ‘process’ relates to the making of art and often doesn’t consist of a predetermined composition. The pieces do have some aesthetic value as the artist wants the viewer to find them visually interesting, however Claire’s main interest is developing the process through limitations and the environment. Claire wants the process of the making to be prominent and intrigue the viewer.
Claire’s work is split into two sections both containing elements of chance and control. This debate occurs throughout both sections of the work and is a constant in every piece. What decisions does Claire consciously make? And what is left to chance?
The first section focuses on a high level of control. Claire decides the composition, (geometric triangular designs), the repetition of the line, the gaps between them and the decision of which pen to use. The process itself is time consuming and needs a lot of focus and patience, but She enjoys the simplicity of the form, line and repetition. The limited amount of materials, which includes a pen, ruler and paper, relates to the process and drawings themselves as Claire has included this idea in the composition introducing limitations on the length of the line and given myself strict rules not to extend it for aesthetic purposes. Claire also likes in the works the chance aspect and the irregularity; they represent a personal journey of the making – like a record. The trembling of my hand, a slight slip of the ruler or the change in pressure of the pen is visible to the viewer. These mistakes add interest and primarily what Claire does n’t want to display is a perfect geometric drawing.
The second part involves loss of control and using the environment to create the composition. It looks at the effect of rain on a previously controlled drawing taking away any aesthetic considerations. The first part of this process is time consuming, measuring accurate gaps between lines as Claire wants the pieces to be as close to exact as possible in the first stages. The intention is that the effect on the pieces after this stage is down purely to the environment and location. The pieces were created in randomly chosen areas of Leicester. Claire feels the place is important to the work as it reflects a moment in time at that specific place. Claire likes the way the images completely transform while the ink bleeds and runs together creating unusual shapes and forms on the surface whilst a faint residue of the former drawing is left in the background.
Sol Lewitt has been extremely influential throughout the work as he focuses on the order of a drawing and changing different aspects slightly to create a new image like in his series ‘Grids, circles and arcs’. His carefully planned geometric wall drawings intrigue Claire, and is something She has explored and dealt with in her own practice.

Claire feels the exploration of this process is far from finished however the introduction of various aspects makes it a concise body of work. Claire wants the delicate lines and imperfections to draw the viewer in. Claire wants them to look close and determine the process. Claire wants it to intrigue them.  

Education and Qualifications
GCSE’S   Obtained at Beauchamp College, 2003
Maths                                                   B
English Language                             B
English Literature                            A
Art                                                         A
Textiles                                                 B
Science Dual Award                         BB
Geography                                           B
Religious Education                          B
French                                                  D

A-LEVELS   Obtained at Beauchamp College, 2005

Art                                                          B
English Literature                             D
Psychology                                           D
Health and Social Care            (AS Level) C
IT Skills                                                Pass

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design     2005 - 2006

Second Class (Upper Division) BA (Hons) in Fine Art   2006 – 2009

Exhibitions include:

DeMontfort University Degree Show – 12th / 18th June 2009

Works Rain Drawing 1 and 20cm Limitation Drawing are currently being shown in a prestigious London gallery in an exhibition titled ‘Ingenious Media’.