Contemporary Connections - Claire Castle

Contemporary Connections is our May 2025 exhibition, where artist Claire Castle will be displaying her wonderful mixed media compositions,“Inspired by the natural world, I create fresh, contemporary, semi-abstract paintings that reflect my love of colour, and pattern.”Claire Castle is a fine art painter who creates colourful and expressive paintings of the local York landscapes surrounding her studio. Her work often focuses on trees and flowers and incorporates decorative patterns and details inspired by her background in costume design and the decorative arts.Her paintings aim to create a space that allows the viewer to explore, play and connect with the natural world.Claire works in mixed media, often combining paint, pastels, pen, and pencils into her pieces. She develops final compositions in her studio in York from the plein-air sketches and photographs she takes.Claire’s career in the creative arts began after graduating from Loughborough Collage of Art and Design with a BA Hons in 3D design. She has worked for two model milliners in London before designing and making costumes and headdresses for Stageworks Worldwide Productions.She teaches art through her own workshops and works part-time at Pocklington School. This is the first time she has exhibited here at Stillingfleet Lodge.The art exhibitions are located in the tea room and are open to the public during regular garden opening times.Admission to the tea room and art exhibitions are free.The works of art are available to purchase, please ask at the entrance hut.