Clare Matthews

Clare Matthews is a weaver residing in Birmingham, Alabama. She received her formal training in Art and Design in the United Kingdom. For the past two decades she taught art in Northwest England’s Lake District, where the mountains, lakes, and wild seashores provided an inspiration for her textile creations.

In 2003 Clare was selected for a one-year Fulbright Teaching Exchange in Alabama. This appointment provided an opportunity to experience and explores the American culture and landscape. In 2008 she returned to the Birmingham area as a permanent resident.

Clare has travelled widely, exploring the native textile traditions of diverse cultures in India, Turkey, Mexico and the American Southwest. These experiences and landscapes continue to be drawn into her own creations.

The majority of her work is comprised of flat woven weft faced rugs, to adorn either floors or walls. Her designs are based on well known and traditional weaving patterns, which are arranged in different combinations to create original compositions. Much of her work relies on color and the use of it in conjunction with weaving patterns to create different designs.

Clare is a member of the Greater Birmingham Fiber Guild and the Alabama Designer/Craftsmen. She has regularly shown work in the Birmingham area and in Northwest Florida. In addition to her personal creations she works to commission.

205 595 0846
clare.matthews123@yahoo.co.uk