Pencil and Paint
It all began with a deep love for graphite—a medium so simple, so instinctive, that it requires little thought to wield, yet holds infinite possibilities. For Claire, graphite was never limited by tradition; it was boundless, waiting to be pushed beyond its conventional use. Traditionally confined to paper and often undervalued in the hierarchy of artistic mediums, graphite does not naturally adhere to canvas. This challenge became the catalyst for innovation. Claire sought to create a harmonious dialogue between the humble pencil and the more widely celebrated medium of paint—a love affair between raw simplicity and refined expression. Thanks to the advanced archival materials available to artists today, she has been able to transcend these limitations, blending graphite and paint through layered glazes and nuanced techniques. The result is a body of work where the subject seems to speak—each piece offering not only visual impact but sparking conversation. With this ongoing series, Claire continues to explore the quiet power of graphite, reimagining it as a vital, expressive force on canvas.
The Artist
As an artist in New Zealand, Claire Erica is deeply inspired by the vibrant and diverse birdlife that surrounds her. She creates large statement pieces that capture the beauty of these magnificent creatures, inviting viewers into a world of intricate detail and vivid color. Each painting is a labor of love, crafted with the finest brushes, the highest quality paints, and the most durable canvases, ensuring that every feather and every glint in the eye is rendered with precision and care.
To Claire, wildlife is more than just subjects; they are symbols of freedom, resilience, and the enduring connection between nature and humanity. Her art seeks to evoke these qualities, encouraging viewers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the delicate balance of life.
Through her work, Claire aims to bring the majesty of New Zealand's birdlife and wildlife into homes and galleries around the world, creating pieces that resonate on both an emotional and aesthetic level. Each painting is a celebration of the natural world, a testament to the power of detailed observation, and a reminder of the beauty that exists in the smallest of details.
”Growing up with a father who was a British photographer, a mother who excelled as a potter, and painter, and a sister who is an accomplished artist in her own right has been an incredible source of inspiration for me. Their creativity and artistic passions have profoundly shaped my own journey. “— Claire-Erica
For the love of drawing
The humble stick of graphite
"Pencil drawings are an indispensable part of my life. From childhood, I have been captivated by the simple elegance of graphite." — Claire-Erica
