Biography
Claire Malet (b. Tunbridge Wells, UK 1965) studied applied art at Hereford College of Art (2005) and took master classes with Pamela Rawnsley (2010-11). Her work is inspired by the rich textures, colours and shapes of natural forms and landscapes surrounding her studio in rural Herefordshire. Using non-precious and precious metals, she also draws inspiration directly from the natral qualities and characteristics of metal, enhancing the material's complex surface textures and colour ranges. Her steel [ieces explore the idea of transformation and percieved value. Malet is particularey inspired by vessel forms, both organic and man-made, as one of the most basic and universal objects used in daly life, playing vital roles at occasions of celebration and honour. She often employs tool designed for other purposes or uses traditinal metalworking tools in new ways; for example cutting metal with a blowtorch, scratching into gold leaf or frazzling it iwth a torch. Her pieces, that cross boundaries between fine art and decorative art, are exhibited and collected in the UK and internationally.
