Claire Sowden studied textiles at Goldsmiths College in London where she found her interests to be in creating 3 dimensional objects out of fabric. She specialised in machine embroidery because of its versatility in terms of fabric manipulation and the rich textural and decorative qualities which could be achieved with it as a medium.

The main influences behind her rather 'whimsical' one off pieces
come from a variety of different sources including Islamic and Indian jewellery and artefacts, medieval ritual vessels, architecture and fairytale imagery. All of which interest her in terms of shape, quality and use of colour and the precious, magical qualities which they convey.

Claire works mainly with silk dupion, organzas and chiffons in many colours. The sheer fabrics being layered to create areas of watery and intense colours similar to the effect of painting with inks. Machine embroidery applique methods are then used to apply rich dupion silks to enhance this effect. Rayon and metallic threads are heavily stitched into areas to create richly coloured and textured panels which when backed and stuffed allow the pieces to take on a life and character all of their own.

They can become anything from functional pieces of jewellery or precious boxes to wall hangings and framed pieces which have been exhibited and sold all over the country and abroad.