About Claire Armitage

I create artwork to capture a sense of place and invite an immersion into the wild beauty of West Cornwall’s landscape, flora and fauna; from hidden woodlands and sweeping curves of moorland to coastlines where the Atlantic Ocean meets the sky.

Situated a couple of miles inland from the coast, my studio is surrounded by meadows and woodlands. I develop a deep sense of place by revisiting the same locations to draw and paint from direct observation, exploring how the colours, flora and fauna change with the seasons and time of day. Back in the studio, I create detailed botanical studies of the plants I gather, gradually developing compositions and colour palettes for my prints, illustrations and textiles. I am particularly interested in layering the intricate details of nature within larger landscapes, creating imagery that reflects both the character of a place and its interconnected habitats.

I aim to combine the life, vitality, flow and immediacy of drawing from direct observation in nature with the slow, considered process of lino printing. The time and attention required to develop each image echoes the way we can experience nature when we slow down: noticing detail, making connections and becoming absorbed in what is around us. I hope this approach allows me to create imagery that conveys a sense of place and invites the viewer to pause, look closely and become immersed in the natural world.

Background & Practice

My creative practice is constantly evolving. I gained a BA in Textiles from Goldsmiths in 2002 and went on to work for ten years as a costume designer, collaborating with dancers, choreographers and artistic directors. This experience developed my interest in narrative, movement and the relationship between image, material and form.

My love of drawing and the desire to develop the imagery in my sketchbooks led me to an MA in Textile Design at Falmouth University, which I completed in 2009. After graduating, I began working as a textile designer before developing printmaking as both an art form and a way of creating illustrations.

Alongside my practice as an artist and designer, I teach and support the next generation of creatives as a visiting lecturer at Falmouth University and a lecturer at Penwith College. Teaching continues to inform my practice, creating opportunities for exchange, collaboration and exploration.