Claire Dunn’s art is an exploration of impermanence, connection, and the stories embedded in both natural and urban landscapes. By incorporating organic materials, found objects, and layered textures, Claire creates pieces that reflect the passage of time and the interconnectedness of life. Deeply influenced by a background in psychology and a profound connection to nature, the work serves as a portal to question, heal, and reimagine the human experience.
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How has your upbringing or cultural heritage shaped the themes and techniques you explore in your art today?
My upbringing and cultural heritage have deeply shaped the themes and techniques I explore in my art. Growing up in Argentina, where I became a psychologist, I was always involved in creative projects and drawn to studying the relationship between the human mind and the arts. As a traveller, a lifestyle that began early in my life, I spent many years on the road, travelling alone, camping in nature, and living in different cities. Travelling had a transformative power on me—spending time in each place opened my mind, my heart and my spirit. I believe you can gain, if you are willing to, a broader perspective of life, breaking patterns of thinking that were gained in the place of origin. My grandmother’s influence on me is profound, as she always recognized a spirit in everything and introduced me to the world of fantasy. She taught me to walk through nature with an open heart. This connection with the natural world is central to my creative process, and her legacy lives on through me.
Throughout my life, I’ve followed my intuition, sometimes responding to signs that might seem random but always feel right, marking the next step in my journey. I believe nothing is truly random; everything we encounter is there to teach us something. Through my practice, I blend the tangible and ephemeral. I use my work to navigate and reflect my journey between places and histories, crafting pieces that resonate far beyond their physical forms. There is a reverence in what I create—a quiet yet powerful respect for the earth, its stories, and the complexity of being human.
Can you pinpoint a single moment in your life when you realized art was not just a passion but your purpose?
In 2019, I had a transformative realization that art was not just a deep interest, but one of my true purposes. The pandemic became a creative explosion for me—a time to dive deep into the waters of my unconscious and explore various artistic processes. I immersed myself in experimentation and play, coupled with profound personal introspection and inner work. Art became a tool to break down barriers and fears, a spiritual practice that allowed me to discover more about myself and open new worlds. My studio in Buenos Aires became a sanctuary—a circular room with a domed ceiling that I lovingly called "La Cueva" (the Cave). It was there that I spent my whole year, painting the walls with my hands, layering experiences and memories into the space. For me, the creative process is the most important aspect of art; the final work is like a trace, a result of the many experiences that occurred along the journey. After a year of quarantine, I decided I didn’t want to stop, this was a true sense of purpose and I decided to take it a step further: I embarked on a new adventure—pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. This decision not only allowed me to expand artistically but also to find my art community, amongst many other things…. I completed my MFA in May 2023, it opened a whole new world to me!
Does spirituality or a connection to something larger than yourself influence your creative process?
Absolutely. My work is often rooted in a sense of connection to something larger—whether it’s the rhythms of the earth, or the interconnectedness of the human mind. Exploring time, impermanence, and the way the body interacts with the world often feels like tapping into something ancient and universal. I see my art as a portal to other dimensions, where I can question and reimagine.
What do you think is the most meaningful role an artist plays in society today?
I believe artists hold a vital role in society: to heal, to question, to bring awareness, and to manifest of new possibilities. Art can be a form of collective and personal healing, offering spaces for reflection and understanding. It also has the power to call out injustices, make the invisible visible, and envision alternate futures. Artists weave the threads between what was, what is and what could be, reminding society of its capacity to transform.
What unusual or unexpected sources of inspiration have deeply influenced your work?
My work is deeply inspired by a constellation of experiences and materials that might seem mundane or overlooked to others but hold profound meaning for me. Walking through city streets and noticing the layers of decay on walls—weathered posters, graffiti, and torn textures—provides a glimpse into the stories of a place, and the passage of time. I’m also drawn to objects that others might discard or pass by without a second thought: pieces of bark, fallen leaves, scraps of paper, or fragments of human-made objects. These items, worn and shaped by the elements, carry histories that feel worth preserving. I also find inspiration in sound—urban soundscapes, conversations with strangers, and even the rhythm of my own movements through the world. Books, especially those exploring psychology, metaphysics, or time—like The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying—inspire me deeply. On a personal level, my relationships—whether with a lover, friends, strangers or trees—have had a big influence on my creative process.
How has your artistic style transformed over the years? Are there specific influences, experiments, or moments that marked a turning point?
My style has evolved as I’ve allowed myself to work across mediums and also live on different territories. Early on, I focused on traditional techniques representing sensations through abstract paintings, but over time, I began experimenting with mixed media, photography, and sculptural forms. A turning point was when I started integrating organic materials like tree bark and leafs from the streets and found objects into my work. These opened up my understanding of art as multidimensional.
Can art be truly therapeutic? Have you experienced its healing power personally, or seen it impact others?
Yes, art can be profoundly therapeutic. I’ve experienced its healing power in my own life—especially during times of transition or uncertainty. Creating helps me process emotions, connect with my inner self, and find clarity. In my work as a psychologist and artist, I’ve also seen how engaging with art can foster self-expression, and lead to deep transformation in others.
Do academic institutions still play a vital role in shaping artists today, or has self-taught creativity disrupted this tradition?
Both pathways have their place. Academic institutions can provide structure, access to resources, community, and critical dialogue that can be invaluable. But self-taught creativity has democratized art-making, allowing artists to define their own journeys and experiment outside traditional boundaries. You can also find community and dialogue outside institutions. You don’t need an official degree to be an artist.
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Claire Dunn’s art invites viewers to engage with the layers of existence—how time, nature, and the unseen forces around us shape who we are. Through a practice that bridges reflection and experimentation, Claire brings attention to the beauty in decay, the power of connection, and the potential for transformation. Each piece becomes a quiet yet powerful reminder of the stories we live and the possibilities we create.