EPISODE EIGHTEEN: Clare Purser
Embracing the Journey: Conversations with Artist Clare Purser
Welcome to another intriguing exploration on "The Art of Making Art Podcast," a place where we delve into the lives, processes, and inspirations of artists who blend romance with reality in their studios. Join Christina Lowry, a visual artist based in Logan, Brisbane, as she converses with Clare Purser, a Brisbane Bayside painter celebrated for her plein air paintings and a deep connection to nature.
Clare Purser is no stranger to the art world, having completed an honors degree at Queensland College of Arts in 1996 and winning numerous art prizes. Made famous by her plein air paintings, Clare's work emphasizes the vitality of being outdoors, fostering a connection with nature through art. Her practice involves carrying these experiences back to the studio, where her paintings, drawings, and ceramics come to life as responses to the environments she cherishes.
Clare's passion for art began early on, as she recalls always being drawn to painting. Her journey took form during her studies at the Queensland College of Art in the 1990s, where she embraced a multifaceted course in illustration. Over the years, she transitioned from working part-time in various jobs to dedicating herself full-time to painting and teaching art workshops, providing a holistic approach to creativity.
Clare shares her love for teaching through painting workshops around Morton Bay, aiming to inspire others to slow down, connect with their surroundings, and appreciate the environment. Her workshops attract participants eager to immerse themselves in plein air painting, experiencing firsthand the tranquility and awareness that comes with truly observing nature.
Through her career, Clare has enjoyed being part of corporate and regional gallery collections and participating in artist residencies and collaborations. She speaks warmly of memorable experiences like painting alongside Elizabeth Cummings and curating exhibitions to raise awareness for environmental causes. Clare sees art not only as a personal endeavour but as a vehicle for community action and awareness-raising.
For artists planning to attend residencies, Clare advises bringing everything—materials, ideas, and an open mind. She encourages making connections with local scientists to enrich the experience and deepen understanding of the environment, as this synergy between art and science can greatly enhance creative projects.
Clare’s work often intertwines with poetry, drawing from the emotive language of poets to inspire her visual art. She keeps detailed visual diaries, filled with sketches, color experiments, poetry, and notes that inform her creative process. These diaries serve as both a historical record and a source of ongoing inspiration.
In her artistic pursuits, Clare emphasizes the importance of showing up, doing the work, and allowing the creative process to organically unfold. She reminds us that developing as an artist requires dedication and the courage to embrace failures as steps toward creating truly remarkable works.
Clare is enthused about future workshops, as well as a joint exhibition at Wool Gallery in Brisbane, where her latest pieces will be displayed. Moreover, she invites the community to contribute to a mass "bird skull" project, raising funds for wildlife conservation—a testament to her commitment to reciprocity with nature.
Through her conversation with Christina Lowry, Clare Purser offers profound insights into the life of an artist deeply connected to nature and community. Her reflections encourage other artists to engage with their environment, explore interdisciplinary inspiration, and prioritize both personal growth and collective action. If you're interested in Clare’s workshops or collaborative projects, be sure to follow her updates and embrace the opportunity to connect with the natural world through art.
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