Claire tells us that everything changes, all the time. It’s how we adapt to these changes that interests her. How we surrender to the process, accept the strength in vulnerability and dig deep to find resilience.
She says that her partner Glenn; thinks the characters she paints live in the corners of her mind and she thinks he's right. Seemingly soft and whimsical, these characters know the importance of imagination and the art of dreaming. We all have the power to change our story... if we want to badly enough.
This exhibition has been inspired by the people in my life who have faced challenges of transformation and have had the determination to reshape their own story. Each painting serves as a reminder and reflection, a pause to say look how far you’ve come on this amazing journey. The animals in my work represent companionship and camaraderie to reassure us that we are not alone. I paint with either oils or water colours as both are pigment rich and require time and patience to build layers allowing the paint to take me on an adventure of discovery.
Rotorua based writer and illustrator Claire Delaney McLeary is best known for her quirky whimsical illustrations and insightful writing. She has written, illustrated and published several books and spends her days doodling away with fine line pens and watercolours, or scribbling frantically in her journals.
Originally from England Claire received a Bachelor in Arts Honours degree in Fashion and Textiles where she developed her use of colour and pattern. She claims this is why her characters are always so flamboyantly dressed!
Exhibiting and working to commissions worldwide keeps her extremely busy.
Passionate about the creative process she has dedicated her time to inspiring others, through her stories and teaching. Offering numerous workshops and being involved in delivering a variety of projects, including several large scale murals, she continues to invite us to wander through her creative wonderland.
Sponsored by Gate Pā New World this exhibition launch preview is Friday 5 September at 5.30pm at the Incubator Creative Hub. Licensed Bar and everyone is welcome.
On display at The Incubator Gallery and Studios from September 6 to September 23.