CLAIRE'S BIO
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Claire- Short Professional History & Bio
Claire MacLean- Early Background
My introduction into the art world probably started before I was even born, seeing that my mother was a professional artist. But without deep hypnotism and a rebirthing session even I can’t go back that far.
My first memory with art would be drawing on the new 1970’s paisley yellow and white Simpson Sears wall paper or finger painting my sister’s white cat. Both were unacceptable artistic ventures. The critics can be so cruel! If I wasn’t creating new art at home, I was being dragged to half of the galleries in the Maritimes where I whined endlessly that I was bored. Though, I was mildly cheered to go to Zwicker’s Gallery where I planted myself on the gray carpeted stair landing, with my Snoopy bag, a cookie and juice from Mr. or Mrs. Muncaster and joyously petted the gallery cats.
Fast forward through eight years of school art classes and community art lessons, my mother tells me we are making a trip to Montreal to visit her gallery. Perhaps this is where I first started to acquire skills as my mother’s agent. I have a distinct memory of entertaining a tall gentleman in a blue suit that smelled of cigars and cherry Halls. I dazzled him with my vast knowledge of how to paint in a dry brush technique, how to prepare a masonite board or explaining how to mix oil for the perfect blue sky.
While in Montreal, my mother took me to see the Impressionists and the accompanying exhibition of Picasso. The Impressionists had always been my favourite art form and until then, their art had only been a flat page in a book or a poster on the wall. It was now in front of me, with the pastel colours and textured swirl of paint and expression. I had been interested in this art form for years, but never until this moment did I realize the feeling that can be produced through a line and a colour. It was amazing.
Intaglio Printer
It was three years later that I discovered my true interest. After spending a Saturday afternoon with my friends, I was looking for a ride home. My mother was taking an etching workshop and after not being able to get the car, I stayed and spent the rest of the day discovering mysteries of copper and inking plates. After that I spent my weekends printing my mother’s prints. I was much more interested in the printing technique than actually carving of the plate.
My first plate only contained one colour and was very simple to print. Today, I have ability to colour a large single plate with many colours.
In my second year of college I took a credit course from Anna Syperek in intaglio to make it official.
During this time, I continued to work as a figure drawing model, assistant at the St.F. X. University Art Gallery and an assistant teaching in the Etching course at the art department.
At the Art Gallery, I learned the ins and outs of the other side of the art industry. I discovered many things about how a gallery functions. I met a multitude of artists trained in various disciplines and learned the process of a presenting an exhibition from start to finish.
A NEW CAREER
In 2000,I left my jobs at the university I started my new business called Wild Rose Studio. It was a small gallery and intaglio printing studio. I also began working on my own creation. Intaglio, wood blocking, silk screening, and mono-printing.
Custom Framer
A few years later, in an effort to expand my knowledge further, I took a part time job as an apprentice picture framer with Don Rockwell at Pastimes Custom Picture Framing. Under Mr. Rockwell’s skilled teaching and framing knowledge, I was taught a great deal about framing and as well as business practices from this long time business owner and entrepreneur.
In 2006, Mr. Rockwell, decided to retire and convinced me that he had the confidence that I would be a good candidate to continue what he taught me.
New Start
In October 2006, I moved my expanded business to my new location, in the beautiful area of Ashdale, only an 8 minute drive away from town. I renamed my business, A Matter of Tastes to reflect my multiple interests and another works I offer to my customers.
After many years working in the art field, I have acquired the knowledge and experience to not only offer wonderful art but have the expertise to professionally frame your art works and offer advice on colour choices that complements your home and lifestyle.AshdaleAntigonishhighway 7Nova Scotiaa matter of tastes custom framing
FUN FACTS
Claire was born in Baddeck and grew up on a small farm on Big Harbour Island, Cape Breton, but now lives in Antigonish, NS.
Claire enjoys baking & cooking (Martha Stewart wanna-be), photography, and new artistic projects, such has rug hooking, silk screening, sewing and knitting.
She enjoys winter activities such as snowshoeing but not snow shovelling...
...and in the summer being near and walking along the shore.
