Henrietta Clavering
Degree: BA
University: Nova Scotia College of Art and Design
Graduation Year: 1994
New Blood Art Commentary
The dripping, swirling, brushing and scraping of paint in Henrietta Clavering’s works produces textured surfaces: the surface drama of grass, fur, water. Earthy tones are tinged at times with an other-wordly glow, not unlike the ever shifting, sometimes miraculous character of the light when it dapples through nature. The distinct style the artist has carved for herself draws on harmony through elements, as well as impressionism, to convey the sense of ancient landscapes: the shapes of ridges, hills, valleys that one intuitively recognises. Her work recalls Hans Hofmann’s abstractions and Sarah Hinckley’s Colour Field paintings.
Shapes, colours, textures are both elemental and sophisticated in Clavering’s work, conveying the satisfaction – at once exhilarating and soothing – of being in nature. Her work The Walk brings to mind the Wilton diptych – the beloved 14th century image now in the National Gallery in London – which shows the elegance and tenderness of the white stag’s outline, like that of the greyhound in The Walk.
Artist Statement
Drawing is the central force in my work. The preliminary sketches outside and the pencil studies done in the studio are key starting points for my paintings. Drawing is a tool to work out ideas, to learn and develop artistic skills, processes and techniques as well as a medium for finished pieces.
After pencil studies have been made, an under painting is next which can involve a period of time of rubbing out and re-drawing before beginning to actually paint.
Another aspect of my practice is that I often work in Series. Setting up the studio with maybe ten or twelve small paintings and perhaps four larger ones all at once and working them almost simultaneously. This process allows me to develop spontaneity, freshness and a confident freedom. Not all of them are successful in making the cut to be shown. My style is one of expressionism and movement, sculptural and energetic.
Having relocated to the West Country, settling into a new studio space and surrounded by different landscapes, my new work is conjuring up both figure and landscape. The phrases that spring to my mind when I think about what I am aiming for are ' a grounding' and 'a sense of place'.
Solo Exhibitions
(2014) Solo Show, Galerie, Newark
Group Exhibitions
(2018) Joint Winner of the Thoresby Open, Notts., Thoresby, Nottinghamshire
Competitions, Prizes & Awards
(2018) Joint Winner of the Thoresby Open, Notts.