Claire Long, a native Northern New Mexican and recent graduate of the University of New Mexico, walks
the tight rope of the artist, anthropologist and activist. As painter, photographer and paper artist, her
commitment to social change and environmental sustainability as well as a fascination with the human
experience inspire her work.
Claire’s fascination with books stems from their history as containers of information and records, tools of
communication and a means to share ideas, both written and graphic. Claire’s books are a combination
of archival and recycled materials, original handmade papers, collage, watercolor and found natural
materials. Using different binding techniques, she creates a variety of styles and sizes including blank
books, journals, photo albums, quote books and limited edition art books.
Painting in watercolor is a form of relaxation for Claire. Her abstract interpretations of plants, landscapes
and other natural phenomena exercise her imagination and are explorations in color and design. She
offers them primarily in the form of cards.
Artist Statement: Place and Inspiration
There are often physical places, which are the sources for our creative work; external places of
inspiration that parallel the source of creativity within us. In a world dominated by virtual cyber-reality and
franchise-dotted towns and cities the particularities of our physical sources are of even greater interest
to me. Sensually examining my physical environment provides me with new perspectives and greater
understanding in my artistic practice. In rural settings I observe the lay of the land, light, shadows, flora
and fauna, architecture if it exists, sound, temperature, color, air movement, smells and even tastes. In
the city, I observe people, their movements and interactions with each other, language, traffic, buildings,
pollution, graffiti, advertisements and lights. After noticing all of these qualities a new intimacy with place
emerges. In my experience intimacy is a kin to inspiration. Realizing that I am deeply affected by the
places where I make art or the places where I gather material for my work (both literally and conceptually)
provides me with another point of variation and experimentation. As a photographer, painter and book
artist, place is as much a part of my materials list as my camera, paint box or paper selection.
