Claire Carter

Featured Artist:

Claire Carter: Expressing Her Creativity

by Gene Marie

“I have a firm belief that humans only feel whole when they find a way to express their creativity.”

Claire Carter known as cARTerART on the World Wide Web is from Shropshire, UK. She has been taking photography seriously for about fifteen years. Carter says “ I am mainly self taught but I also took an OCA photography course. Sharing ideas on the internet and looking at the work others produce has been the best learning tool.” Carter started taking photographs to simply record ideas for her paintings, which was originally her creative outlet. She taught herself Photoshop as well as Painter, following this she became hooked on digital imaging. Once her son reached an age where she was able to have more freedom to travel she found herself more and more drawn to photography of landscapes and nature. Carter has always been a keen walker and a lover of the out doors. She adds, ”combining the two became my escape from a stressful day job (which is teaching children with special needs), it feeds my soul and keeps me and the dog fit!” With admiration for such photographers as Joe Cornish, Colin Prior, and Les McLean, it is not surprising to hear Carter speak of high yet reachable dreams. Carter comments saying, “My dream would be to have more time to devote to visiting wilderness sites and to develop my wildlife photography portfolio…I’d love to pack up the day job and make a living from it.” The majority of Carter’s free time is dedicated to photograph yet, she is a mother and a student

However, holidays allow her the perfect time for travel. She continues, “I’m off to Ireland next week to try and capture the Giant’s Causeway. I spent hectic weeks in Scotland last February and October, Santorini last August, Skomer Island in June and Galway last Easter–not bad for 12 months! You learn to watch and predict the weather and my bag is packed to zoom out to grab some light. Early mornings and late evenings are a must—sleep in the summer is a luxury.”

Carter has successfully sold many images with her personal website (www.carterart.co.uk) being her connection to the world. She comments, “I am asked to do local commission work but would like to be given a ‘big’ landscape project that would make me focus on one area through four seasons.” She is an admirable artist; you will definitely enjoy being a part of her audience, watching her portfolio grow as well as improve in quality. Carter concludes saying “I have a firm belief that humans only feel whole when they find a way to express their creativity. Photography is my way of expressing an sharing the joy I get from being in beautiful places. Watching the sunset should never be a solitary event—you want to turn to someone and say—‘hey, do you see what I see?.’ My camera enables me to revisit and share those special moments again and again.”

Carter’s biggest public collection on the net can be seen at:
Zazzle: Carter Art

She can also be found at
Photoblink: Carter Art where she posts photos for critical assessment.