'Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication'  - Leonardo Da Vinci

‘ a sense of awe of the delicacy and precision of her work, the delicate brushstrokes and careful layering of paint makes the subject look absolutely real, so uplifting’ - Lynley Bradnam

Claire Erica is a multidisciplinary artist known for her dynamic and emotive paintings whose work spans a variety of mediums. 
Born and raised in South Africa, she has always been inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding natural world.
With a deep understanding of the human condition and a commitment to exploring the complexities of the modern world, Claire's work is both thought-provoking and visually striking.

Internationally recognised artist Claire-Erica is a New Zealand based contemporary fine art painter, connecting us with the natural world. 

From the Artist

I have an incredible love for nature, all things natural. My mother was a huge influence of this while growing up in South Africa. Though I have made New Zealand my home over the last 24 years, the kingfishers where I grew up were just as prominent there as they are here. A link between my happy childhood and my ties to New Zealand. My dad died when I was very young and it seems every time I doubt myself I hear the beautiful call of our resident kingfisher.
I have been enticed by tubes of paint and pencils to from a tiny tot. Having a creative family is always good to have around. My father a photographer, my mother a hairdresser and potter, my sister is an artist in her own right, it is no surprise I love the creative side of life. Musically minded and a wide range of visual arts endeavours through the whole family.
I am happiest when I paint what comes, nothing planned or preempted. The injection of vibrant colours and freedom to paint with no rules or guidelines is the best. I wish for everyone that we can all have a sense of that freedom away from the stresses of life and believe in our natural childhood nature of play.

We all have times in our lives when we are faced with adversity. We can look inward and asks ourselves who we really want to be, who am I really ? The world is never going to finish throwing it at us, always going to be coming at us. That is life, this too shall pass. As artists we need to be connected to ourselves to create, different for everyone. I have my adversity, I have to go through it and it’s been one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I have reached a point where I know deep within that I will come out the other side still standing. I want to inspire other people to stand up, to get back up, to never ever give up, and that this too shall pass and walk straight through it, it will make us stronger.

I love to see my students explode with pride with a finished piece or a smile suddenly take over when they realise they created something they never thought they could, that is a treasure to witness. Teaching people they can do things they never thought they would is such an honour. Believing in people, that’s powerful, I want to be there for my students, believing in them that they are limitless if they want to be.

I hope I can inspire people to live their best life, connect with themselves in ways we are not taught and shine brightly. To notice the little precious things in our day and be contented with the things we have and change the things we can change. To believe we are only limited by our own beliefs. Go out there and let’s conquer our wildest dreams.
Anything is possible !

‘Art allows me to lose myself and find myself at the same time’ -Claire-Erica