Over 20 years ago, I held several solo exhibitions of digital photographic art, which I referred to as photomontages. I also wrote an article for Artists & Illustrators exploring the validity of this emerging art form. Although I am now primarily a painter and digital art is widely accepted, the art world is shifting once again with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
I believe AI holds immense potential as a creative tool. For some time, I’ve envisioned transforming my surreal drawings of the natural world into an animated immersive experience—bringing these ethereal scenes to life as a growing, breathing world, while still retaining the essence of hand-drawn art. My goal is to create a documentary-style time-lapse animation that captures the evolution of these abstract forms that surround the viewer.
If successful, the £10,000 bursary would allow me to dedicate time within my creative practice to research and experiment with the animation and AI technologies needed to realise this vision. I currently lack the technical knowledge to do this independently, so the funding would support both self-directed learning and the possibility of collaborating with digital artists or animators. It would also be used to cover software costs and any specialist equipment or training required.
This project marks a significant evolution in my artistic journey. It will take me beyond my usual practice, combining traditional drawing with cutting-edge digital technologies. The bursary would give me the freedom to explore this new direction without the constraints of my current income streams, enabling me to experiment and develop a new body of work that bridges analogue and digital processes.
Ultimately, I will produce an immersive experience that consists of an animated film for an exhibition alongside my drawings, expanding audience engagement and opening up new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, public presentation, and future funding.
My project explores the intersection of traditional drawing, animation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—an emerging frontier in contemporary art. By developing a surreal, animated world rooted in hand-drawn natural forms, I aim to create a unique visual experience that blends the organic with the digital.
Bringing this work to Darlington through the Dover Prize would not only support my artistic evolution but also position the town as a hub for innovation in the arts. The final immersive exhibition would be hosted locally, accompanied by workshops and talks that explore how traditional drawing and cutting-edge technology can reinterpret established art practices. These events would demystify AI for both artists and the public, encouraging creative experimentation and dialogue.
By sharing my process and outcomes with the community, I hope to inspire local artists and audiences to embrace new tools while valuing traditional techniques. This project would raise the profile of Darlington as a place where forward-thinking, inclusive, and technologically engaged art is both created and celebrated. It would also attract attention from wider creative networks, helping to establish the town as a vibrant, future-facing arts destination.
The natural world has captivated me since childhood, when I first grew seeds on a shed windowsill. This early fascination with nature’s miniature wonders—tiny flowers, scuttling beetles—has shaped a 20-year artistic career dedicated to exploring its vibrant colours, intricate forms, and delicate patterns. Over the past decade, my work has increasingly focused on environmental fragility and the urgent need for conservation. Living in rural Sussex, I draw daily inspiration from the surrounding landscape. My process begins with observational drawings that capture the interconnectedness of ecosystems, where every plant, insect, and human plays a vital role. Using automatism—a surrealist technique—I create intuitive, surreal compositions that blend accuracy with imagination. These works often feature hybrid forms: part insect, part flower, part human, inviting viewers to see nature through a new, thought-provoking lens. Once the composition is complete, the final piece is either a drawing or, I begin a meticulous painting process. Each brushstroke is layered with precision, creating glowing, vibrant surfaces that reflect nature’s fragility. Some pieces take months or even years to complete. My recent series increasingly incorporates human figures, reinforcing the message that we are not separate from nature, but deeply entwined with it—both its beauty and its vulnerability. Since graduating in 2001 I have exhibited both in group and solo shows in the UK and abroad. This includes 8 solo shows and over 40 group selected exhibitions. You can find the full detailed list here, https://www.claire-harrison.co.uk/Exhibitions-Claire-Harrison-Art.html I have been featured in 5 artist book publications featuring contemporary artists both in the UK and abroad. In 2015 I wrote a book about my artwork for a limited print run. I am in 2 public collections (see your question below) and numerous private collections in both the UK and abroad. I am passionate about working with the community and have been a trustee of two art societies and was a tutor at the Guidlford Institute for over 10 years, as well as being a regular visiting lecturer and demonstrator. Throughout 2024 I was in three group exhibitions and will be in another group exhibition called ‘Disappearing Worlds’ in Malton.
I completed a Fine Art Degree BA (HONS) in 2001. I had my first solo exhibition 6 months later of 40 digital photographic artworks. From the success and publicity of this exhibition I was offered a studio.
When I was just starting out I received several grants and funding. Most of these were 10 – 20 years so I can’t remember the exact details, however I received funding to learn how to build and set up my website which paid for me to go on an HTML/Dreamweaver course. I had some further funding to research into Islamic geometry and patterns within nature in relation to my own creative practice, and this paid for me to attend a course in Islamic Geometry in London at the Princes Art School.
In 2010 I collaborated with Manhood College, Selsey and received money from the Creative Partnership to teach maths through art.
I am currently in discussions with Culture Hustle to create an artist network/meet up locally to combat the isolation and loneliness that self-employed artists experience.
Yes,
2010 Permanent Collection, Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey
2017 ELNNDI Museum in GuangZhou, China
In 2010 I was approached by the curator at the James Hockey gallery at UCA (formerly SIADUC) and asked to provide 2 paintings for the geriatric unit at Frimley Park Hospital.
In 2017 my artwork was purchased by the ELNNDI museum because of the Ming Gallery representing me in China.
I have had many solo shows and group shows over the last 20 years of exhibiting. Each of these have been featured in local, national and international press, including several radio interviews. Most notably I was invited to write an article for Artists & Illustrators about my work and the importance of digital art. Since launching my latest series of drawings and paintings, ‘Portrait of Nature’ in 2023 I have been featured in ‘The Global Art Times’, ‘AAH’ magazine and local newspapers. I have been interviewed and featured on the youtube channel ‘ArtbyArtists’ and been a guest on ‘The Late Show’ for 90 minutes with Mid Sussex FM Radio.
You can see my press cuttings page of the most important articles and features here, https://www.claire-harrison.co.uk/Press.htm
Not currently, this ended shortly before covid due to ill health of the gallery owner. I used to be represented by Ming Gallery in Brighton UK and Beijing China.
In 2002 I was offered a studio at Farnham Maltings on the condition that I provided art workshops to the community. This began as a traditional residency but changed after a change of director where it became a more commercial rental agreement without the need to provide workshops etc.
Email: art@claire-harrison.co.uk
Address: Bothy Cottage,, 4 Kippens Lane, West Grinstead, West Sussex, RH13 8HY, GB
Local Authority: Horsham District Council
