Hello! I’m Claire.
I am a fiber artist working primarily in quiltmaking who makes work about femininity and vulnerability, traits which are often abused but are powerful sources of my strength. I sew because it makes me feel loved, and it makes me feel like a woman. I wish to honor the traditional femininity in my craft while pulling away from traditional notions of what these works are meant to be about, how they are used, and who is meant to make/appreciate them. These works are both for display and to use for comfort and warmth.
I hope my work conveys some of the magic and joy that quilting has brought into my life. I want people who see my work to be reminded that healing is essential, that femininity is powerful and must be respected and revered, and that, above all; there is a lot of fun to be had in the world!
Email
fraleighclaire@gmail.com
Biography:
Claire Fraleigh is a quilter and fiber artist living and working in Baltimore, Maryland. She has been sewing since she was a child, taught by her grandmother. Her art practice did not embrace this background until recent years, when a desire for the comfort and usefulness of craft took over. Her recent quilt work looks for balance between the meticulously planned, controlled aspect of quilting and improvisational, sketch-like quilting techniques. Working with primarily found material and reclaimed fabrics, Claire makes works that challenge the traditions of craft and femininity.