Clare Caulfield is a Yorkshire based artist and printmaker whose work is inspired by her travels to some of the world’s greatest cities, some of which she returns to again and again drawing on new ideas each time.
Her collection includes Paris, Venice, New York, Rome, Prague, Istanbul and Sydney. The magic of each location being recreated in Clare’s very distinctive and illustrative style of working. She produces mixed-media paintings, original handmade prints, limited edition prints and handmade cards which are exhibited throughout the U.K.
We fell in love with her work when we first saw it here at House of Coco and so we were keen to find out more. Here, we chat to Clare to find out more about her plans for the future…
When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
I’ve been working as a full time artist and printmaker since 2003. My artwork is inspired by my travels to beautiful cities including Paris, Venice, New York, Prague, Reykjavik, Rome, Sydney, Istanbul, Florence, London, San Francisco…
Working in a lively drawing style using watercolour, dip pen & ink, pencil and acrylic, I create my paintings, screenprints, limited edition prints and handmade cards.
Before launching my company “Clare Caulfield – Artist & Printmaker” I worked for a couple of years in a textile design studio in London. It was a great experience and gave me some invaluable insights into working in a commercial creative environment but my dream was to work for myself doing what I love: making art, drawing and travel. So I decided to move back up to the lovely world heritage village of Saltaire in Yorkshire where I’m from. Here I set up my little studio and have been producing my paintings and prints ever since.
Whats your background?
I graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Surface Pattern Design in 2000 and whilst in my 3rd year at University I went to Venice as part of my final degree show project. This was my first trip to this beautiful city and marked the beginning of both my passion for architecture and documenting my travels through my art.
How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
It’s just me…I paint, draw, screenprint, supply my many lovely galleries and craft shops, commissions, make my handmade art cards, run my website, answer all my emails, do all the paperwork and of course do my best to beautifully package up all my orders too!
If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
I would have started selling internationally much sooner. As well as my website I also have an Etsy shop too Its been brilliant over the last 18 months in enabling my work to reach a much wider audience. I’ve had sales from all over the world and it’s great to know that my city prints and paintings are now viewed and enjoyed across all corners of the globe.
What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
Finding enough time to design and set up my website. I have a large collection of work depicting various cities available in many different formats from original paintings, drawings, handmade screenprints, drypoints, canvas prints, giclee prints and handmade cards. I wanted a simple easy to use website so I found it quite a challenge to achieve this but I’m really pleased with the end result.
Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
I exhibited next to David Hockney as part of The 175 Heroes Exhibition in 2008 at Bradford College which celebrated the achievements, successes and contributions of 175 former students and staff drawn from 175 years of College history. I love Hockney’s work so it was fantastic to share a wall with him!
To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
I wouldn’t say there is any one particular special moment. For me I just feel really lucky and privileged to be able to travel and make a living doing something I love. My work gives me the opportunity to visit and experience many great cities all over the world.
Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
That’s a really difficult one as I love all three of these cities, they are all such big inspirations for my work. But if I had to choose it would probably be New York.
Best thing about London to you?
Whenever I’m visiting London I travel down by train from Leeds, arriving at Kings Cross. Coming out of the station the view of St Pancreas never fails to amaze me. It really is an architectural masterpiece. I haven’t drawn it yet but I can’t wait to give it a go. I think it’ll be a great challenge.
Best place for a coffee?
I’ve had a great cup of coffee at Pinecrest Diner in San Francisco (It was ‘bottomless’ too) so it would be very hard to beat. Mokka in Reykjavik is amazing too as is their huge waffle and cream.
Most memorable piece of advice?
“Do the best you can and never stop” Stephen Wiltshire
I bought a mug a couple of years ago from his The Stephen Wiltshire Gallery in London bearing these inspirational words. His very early work is a big inspiration. The architectural drawings he produced in his childhood have a very loose and scrawled quality. They’re very beautiful and expressive (and very accurate considering they were drawn from memory)
If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Somewhere I’ve not been to yet to see what direction that would take my work in. I think Tokyo looks amazing or St. Petersburg is definitely on my list too.
Where can people find out more? Please visit my website www.clarecaulfield.co.uk where you can view my full collection.
My Etsy shop
Follow me on Twitter @caulfieldartist