The work explores shape in 2d and 3d form, in the structure and surface of fabric pieces.  Composition takes its reference from Clare’s photography of still life and found surfaces, often from weathered, architectural spaces.  These images are interpreted with fabric, working by hand, with origami patterns, pleating and hand stitch, to form large and small-scale constructions.

Recycled natural fabrics are used, cotton sheeting, woollen garments and canopy.  Vegetable dyes colour the fabric, onionskins, red cabbage and turmeric are mixed by hand and used to paint and submerge the cloth.  The dye is absorbed differently by the various weights of cotton used.

The marks on the dyed cloth are created with screen-print, mono-print, paint, appliqué, fabric cuts and re-stitching.  The small repetitive blanket type stitch covers whole areas, providing structural strength and surface texture to the work.  Paint is applied before and after the stitching and on the front and back of the fabric.

Fabric shapes are layered over a large surface and applied in the way a brush mark may be intended, to aid composition, to highlight, to balance.  Strips and blocks of fabric are hand-stitched into position, stretching out the time taken to achieve the fabric mark.  Dye is applied with a brush over these layers, filling in creases and saturating the small cotton stitches with colour.

Some recent fabric pieces are intended to work with back lighting. The light works through the layers of work to the surface, accentuating contrast in translucent and opaque areas.  A natural light source provides a gradual, real-time response, revealing and losing detail with the ever-changing light, creating a piece in flux.

These changes in light, activating the work in some way, mean the work can be observed or recorded to capture these changes.  The viewer takes some part in experiencing the work, being witness.  The piece takes on a role in handling the light, holding, processing it through the many layers and needle piercings found on the surface.  Light finds its way through, illuminating at once tiny details and vast areas of flat and textured cloth.