Claire Shoosmith
My projects explore the choreography of human interaction. Specifically examining our shifting perception of the people we encounter and the environment we inhabit in the moments before and after life-changing events. How do we react and what can be described as ‘normal’ behaviour? How do we make sense of being or feeling 'out-of-place'?
Before lockdown, I was based in the artefact store at the Weald and Downland Museum, researching the textiles and ceramics in their collection to explore our perception of memory and the stories we create to fill the gaps in our knowledge.
I work with a wide range of media including photography, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking to piece together site-specific installations. The ephemeral materials I gather onsite during each project are essential devices that re-direct the narrative and physical nature of my work.
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As well as making my own work, I teach neurodiverse young people and adults. I devise and lead workshop programmes with a wide variety of community groups. For my projects, I have successfully raised funds from local and national grant-making bodies including the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council. I am a director and co-founder of Eastbourne Studio Pottery CIC and sit on the board of the Devonshire Collective CIC.
2017 - 2018 PGCE Secondary Art & Design University of Brighton
1993 - 1995 MA Photography Royal College of Art
1990 - 1993 BA (Hons) Sculpture Central St. Martins
1989 - 1990 Foundation in Art & Design Camberwell College of Art
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City & Guilds Traditional Upholstery London College of Furniture
Wooden puppet carving John Roberts
Diploma Garden Design Writtle College
RHS Certificate in Horticulture Capel Manor
I have exhibited and held residencies at venues in the UK and Europe including Arco Centro de Arte e Comunicacao Visual, Lisbon; Cite des Artes, Paris; Grizedale Arts, Cumbria; Maestranza Studio, Malaga; Fabrik Dieffenbachstr., Berlin; Blue Monkey Shared Space, Curious Projects, DC1 Gallery & Towner Gallery, Eastbourne; Kimbolton Castle; Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills; Notcutt Studios, London.