Winter Sketch II, steel gold organic latticed sculptural vase by Claire Malet

Claire Malet is a metal and silversmith artist based in Herefordshire. Her work is a response to the relationship between the natural environment and the resources it provides, our use of them and their perceived value. Claire's work is inspired by the shapes and textures of natural forms and landscapes: fragments of sea-worn shells, the rock formations of a battered coastline, a curl of split bark, the dancing light, and shadow of woodland. She also draws inspiration directly from the characteristics of the materials used, allowing the medium to suggest a direction and to find a relationship with the subject matter. Claire works mainly with recycled metals: silver, steel, aluminium, and uses a variety of making techniques, but ‘feeling the way’ and experimenting is key in her practice. This approach allowing the materials to reveal their character and welcome the unexpected. Claire’s work can be found in public collections such as Victoria Albert Museum, National Museum Wales, Manchester Art Gallery, and Bilston Craft Gallery.