In The Studio: Claire de Quénetain

Claire de Quénetain for Heals

French-born Claire de Quénetain, an MA in Printed Textiles, is known for her expression of marks and form through paintings and drawings. Claire’s new design for Heal’s 1810, Le Jardin D’ete, depicts a hand-drawn floral pattern reflecting the artist’s personal passion for the outdoors. We caught up with Claire to discuss who collection and design process.

What is the inspiration behind your work?
The main inspiration behind my work is to catch the atmosphere of gardens, the generosity, the forms, the colours and movement in nature. My textiles aim to create a natural, lively and colourful environment for the interiors. This was the concept behind the collection for Heal’s. The designs are colourful, fresh, energitic, and full of movement. But also to make a collection with a certain summer vibe to it.

Claire de Quénetain for Heals Fabrics

Tell us about your design process, how do you get started?
I regularly enjoy to visit gardens, where I photograph a lot. It’s quite important for me to work from photographs. They speak to me and helps me to remember places I have visited.
Sometimes I go outside to draw it allows me to understand the shapes and colours of the natural life in a better way. This process creates a starting point and a mood which enables me to start painting.
Do you have a preferred material or process?
I enjoy a lot painting straight onto fabric or paper without composing the design in advance. I like to paint compositions in large scale with spontaneity to catch a certain energy and new marks.
How did you get involved with Heal’s?
I was lucky to get contacted by Heal’s after my MA graduation show at the Royal College of Art. It was the aim of my Master’s to bring a sense nature into people’s homes. By collaborating with Heal’s this now becomes reality.

Claire de Quénetain painting

Do you have a design hero that influences your work?
I mostly admire the work of classic modern artists such as Picasso and Raoul Dufy. Examples of good design for me is Collier Campbell and Marimekko.

What 3 words describe your range at Heal’s?
Happy, fresh and colourful.

Claire de Quénetain

 

Claire de Quénetain Studio

Claire de Quenetain’s exclusive collection is available online and in store at Heal’s. Shop Now.

Claire de Quénetain Claire de Quénetain

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