Featured Artist Claire Vines | Artsy Shark

Oil painter Claire Vines presents a selection of artwork that reflects life experience and culture. Find more of her portfolio on her website.

“Flowers” oil on canvas, 12×16

I was born in Nice, France. As a child when immigrating to the U.S. I could not speak the English language, only French. It was then that I discovered my passion for expression of my internal emotional world through artistic creativity, a way of compensating for the language barrier that prevented me from expressing my emotions with words. 

“Home” oil painting on canvas, 20″ x 24″

Although I was discouraged from pursuing my passion and artistic insights, I nevertheless continued to draw and paint in private. 

“Girl Washing Her Hair” oil on canvas, 30″ x 40″

At age 16, the same day I completed my first oil painting on canvas, I delivered my son. I raised him, I worked, and I studied. I earned a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and developed an independent practice specializing in trauma and emotional healing. Most importantly, I never stopped painting. 

“Old Woman in Survival Mode” oil on canvas, 36″ x 24″

Connecting my artistic passion with my profession, I continue to develop my interest in the Art of Psychology and the Psychology of Art, where I explore my passion for human emotion through the externalization of creative expression in a deeper and more profound way. 

“Shabbat Tradition” oil on canvas, 24″ x 36″

I believe that artistic expression is a form of visual conversation between one and oneself, revealing one’s inner emotion in the process. Being aware of this can improve the well-being of an individual at any age. 

“Barcelona” oil on canvas, 48″ x 30″

During my life travels I have learned that art expression is both person-centered and multicultural. This awareness leads to artistic cultural diversity, a universal gift for all people to embrace and celebrate. 

“Marseille” oil on canvas, 40″ x 30″

Much of my artwork represents my life journey. As an example, my painting “Marseille” depicts the place where I spent much of my childhood years. Likewise, the paintings which present religious imagery are reflections of the cultural and religious backgrounds that have meaningfully shaped who I am. 

“Tradition” acrylic, 16″ x 24″

My goal is to paint a facet of who I am within every work I create, serving as a living manifestation of Picasso’s iconic quote, “All art is a self portrait.” They are words that inspire and guide my artistic expressions to this day.

Claire Vines invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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