Claire’s practice consists of small object-based works and multimedia paintings that create a “library” of marks. Within this body of work, themes of collection, curio cabinets, and constellations are prevalent. With an emphasis on material exploration, the artist utilizes a range of materials including paper pulp, clay, pom poms, wood, and fibers. Sentimental crafts like ornaments, Valentines, and painted rocks influence modular sculptures and two-dimensional paintings.
Map of the world (blinds), a poem by Claire Kennedy
The map of the world today sits tightly in my stomach.
Crumpled space that is surely just beyond the blinds,
Just before the moon.
My first real experience of spirituality was watching those lines
Wiggle and shake.
I’m finding it harder to see, now.
Texas has stout buildings politely dispersed and then
Just the field.
Sand mixed with dirt,
Orange mixed with green and gray
All suddenly meeting blue.
The best things shimmer and then break apart.
I’m repeating myself–
Light beam on roof, gridded panel,
invisible stars, love I can’t have.
But now a young couple reads the newspaper
Six yards away.
They can see clearly
Next to the glass.
Claire Kennedy (she/her) is a Fort Worth-based artist originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. She currently teaches studio art courses at the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Christian University, and the University of North Texas. She has also taught creative workshops at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Arts Fort Worth. Claire has participated in artist residencies at Arts Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas, Azule in Hot Springs, North Carolina, and with Nectar in Les Guilleries, Spain. She has exhibited throughout Texas at Galleri Urbane, Clamp Light Gallery, and 500X Gallery among others. She has been published in New American Paintings, VoyageDallas, and Southwest Contemporary. Claire is a studio member at Easyside, an arts nonprofit based in East Fort Worth.
Website: clairekennedyart.com
Instagram: @clairekenn6