We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claire Weaver-zeman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claire below.

Alright, Claire thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I started painting when I was in high school, and formally learning how to draw observationally, but I was always a creative kid and enjoyed creating dolls and characters with friends, that were often made of paper or old socks and colorful yarn. I’m just starting to learn how to make ceramics and I’m having a great time exploring the third dimension! The learning process for me has been pretty steady in terms of painting, I have kept up a pretty consistent practice since I graduated from college. The one thing I wish I had done earlier is explore other materials like clay- it feels so natural to work with and is similar to paint in its malleability. The skill most essential to what I do technically is definitely my observational drawing ability, but I think the most essential skills to have in any creative endeavor is curiosity and flexibility. You have to really be into what you are doing. The only obstacle that has really stood in my way is studio space-but luckily for me I am in grad school now and have plenty of space and resources!

Claire, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Through my art, I explore modern feminist ideas through mythology, ritual, and storytelling. Often, my characters are helping each other through moments of transition and physical, emotional, or intellectual growth.

I’m especially interested in myths and stories about women and children. How are stories shaping young girls ideas about womanhood? How are stereotypes of women in these stories still limiting? I think a lot about how the stories I read and the movies I watched as a child portrayed girls and women, and I return to the figures I found fascinating because of their independence, intelligence, and freedom.

Sometimes figures in my art are depicted mid-transformation, as they turn into animals or hybridized beasts. Although they can be strange, awkward, uncertain, and disorienting, these transitions involve transfers of knowledge, love, and joy, and are ultimately a source of strength.

These transforming individuals are aided by ritual, animal companions, and powerful objects. Lately I have been interested in the transformative power of play, and how toys and dolls can act as powerful objects and tools for empathy, identity building, and liberatory imaginary scenarios.

Right now I am focusing on making figurative painting and sculpture exploring these topics.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is being able to communicate something to the world that other people can relate to, and make connections to other people and artists through that. I love being able to tell a story or convey an emotion in that way.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I think one goal of my work is to put something positive into the world. I want to empower young girls and other women in ways that are encouraging.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://claire-weaverzeman.squarespace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cweaverzeman.art/

Image Credits

Jason Alexander (first image)