Claire Townsend is passionate about nature, and the deep, reflective thought that it allows. Her multimedia creations include paintings and fabric embellished canvas’ that feature recycled and found materials. Aiming for the intersection of beauty and perception, the work is meant to encourage the awareness of environmental impermanence, and how this fleeting beauty is due, in part, to climate change.

As an avid scuba diver, the artist has the unique opportunity to examine the ecosystem of the oceans up close, to observe first-hand the destruction to vital coral reefs caused by industrial waste, and microplastics, in particular. The use of recycled sequins and beads alludes to the ocean as a precious and delicate luxury, while also reminding the viewer of the disproportionate damage these minuscule man-made trifles and seemingly insignificant, harmless tiny objects can cause to our largest, and perhaps most delicate, ecosystem.