Drawn into a life she had never anticipated, Claire discovered the inspiration for her art, the foundation of her family, and a profound sense of belonging. Two decades after her arrival to Grand Cayman, her life and art are inseparable from this island she calls home. Residing in the peaceful quietude of North Side, surrounded by swaying palm trees she planted as mere saplings, the island has become her muse – a place she celebrates through her art and where her heart, at last, feels anchored.

Having exhibited in London, Paris, Miami, Florence and Madrid, Claire, a Caymanian citizen, “flies the flag for Cayman” on a global stage while locally, she participates in Cayman Art Week, relishing the chance to share her work with her own community. From her bustling, inviting studio in the heart of George Town, she gazes out
over the horizon of Hog Sty Bay, reflecting on how her connection to Cayman’s art community has deepened her bond to the island. “Community is essential,” she says. “It’s important to feel connected to where you are. If I can contribute in an authentic way, that’s what I’ll do.”

This deep-rooted commitment to place and belonging marks a striking contrast to Claire’s own childhood, one spent moving nomadically across continents. With no one location to truly call home, her young world was instead filled with imagination and wonder. She began drawing early, illustrating her own poetry at age five. By her teens, she dreamed of becoming an illustrator, even sending artwork to Disney.

This early determination carried her through art college in Nottingham, UK, then to Kingston University in London, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Art and Design, followed by a Master’s in Design in Brighton. These experiences forged the foundations of her artistic identity and set her on the path that would eventually lead her to Cayman.

Settling in London after her studies, she quickly found success with an artist’s agency, taking on commissions and creating illustrations for the travel section of The Guardian, a prominent national broadsheet. Captivated by the contrast of London’s gleaming cityscapes and historic architecture, she drew inspiration from her surroundings. But in 2004, she took a leap – not to escape her career, but to embrace the unknown.

Following a successful first solo exhibition at London’s Mall Gallery, she moved to Cayman, seeking a year of discovery and creative growth. One year turned into a lifetime, with Cayman now firmly part of her identity.

Shortly after her arrival, Hurricane Ivan struck. Despite the devastation Claire committed to stay. As the island rebuilt around her she, found herself woven into its fabric. Through investment of time and resources she grew a thriving local business, making waves and honouring her treasured community. This sense of belonging has infused her work with a profound sense of purpose.

Inspired by gentle beach walks, quiet moments by the sea, and the vastness of Cayman’s ocean, Claire’s paintings capture the light, colour, and feeling of the sun slipping into the sea, the shimmer of moonlight over midnight waves, and the vivid colours of a restless ocean.

Known for her mastery of acrylics, Claire’s art captures both natural beauty and emotional complexity. “My hope,” she explains, “is that I put myself into the artwork, and that it resonates with viewers – that they connect with the emotion within each piece.”

Firmly rooted in the belief that her role as an artist is to channel a creative force far greater than herself, Claire acts as a conduit for energy she shapes into form, light, and colour. “Whatever I create is a response to the beauty around me; I see something, and it moves me.” It’s an approach she describes as a celebration of life.

Claire celebrates her journey as an artist, honouring her homegrown roots in Cayman whilst creating with sincerity and passion. With each piece, she embraces the unknowns of her creative path, saying, “I hope to keep evolving and always remain authentic. I don’t know where this will take me, but I feel so lucky and blessed to have found my purpose here.” This openness captures the essence of Claire’s art – a boundless journey shaped by love, honesty, and a lasting connection to her island muse.