Magic Squares

Clare Wardman: An Exploration of Fragment and Process

Clare Wardman (born 1960) is a British painter based in St Ives, Cornwall, where she resides alongside her husband, Scottish Painter Iain Robertson. Her artistic journey began with a B.A. Hons Degree in Fine Art Painting and Drawing from Exeter College of Art and Design in 1982, followed by an MFA from University Falmouth in 2016. Wardman’s practice is fundamentally rooted in a conceptual exploration of ‘fragment,’ perceiving it not as deficiency but as a catalyst for creative genesis—a dynamic interplay between loci (places) and her immersive studio experience. This approach informs her ongoing engagement with painting and drawing, consistently investigating the series as an open-ended form to convey time and unfolding processes. Her formative years were shaped by exposure to the landscape paintings of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (1912–2004), whose studio in St Ives served as a crucible for artistic experimentation and dialogue during the mid-century period. This connection instilled within her a deep appreciation for atmospheric realism and the expressive potential of color—a cornerstone of her visual vocabulary that continues to resonate throughout her oeuvre. She actively participates in collaborative projects with fellow artists Iain Robertson and Siobhan McLaughlin, fostering interdisciplinary research and development and enriching her artistic perspective. Formal training solidified Wardman’s commitment to abstraction, prioritizing material exploration and experiential engagement. Her MFA studies at University Falmouth honed her skills in manipulating pigment layering and textural surfaces—techniques that underscore her dedication to mastering traditional painting methods while simultaneously embracing innovative approaches. She seeks to capture the essence of ‘time’ and ‘process,’ conveying dynamism and evolution through carefully considered visual elements, mirroring Barns-Graham's pioneering spirit. Wardman’s career has been punctuated by significant accomplishments recognized internationally. Notably, she was awarded HIGHLY COMMENDED for her contribution to the Royal West End Art Academy Open Painting Exhibition in 2009 and received HIGHLY COMMENDED for ‘Images of Our Earth Inheritance’ at Bayer plc’s Art Collection in 2005—a testament to her artistic merit and recognition within the broader art community. Her work has been showcased in prestigious venues such as Tate St Ives, Edinburgh Arts Festival, and The Women's Art Collection, cementing her reputation as a respected voice within contemporary art discourse. Collaborations with fellow artists Iain Robertson and Siobhan McLaughlin have broadened her engagement with diverse creative perspectives. Her distinctive style is characterized by bold color palettes—often juxtaposed against muted tones—and geometric shapes that inhabit abstract expressionist compositions. Wardman’s paintings prioritize materiality, reflecting a meticulous attention to surface texture and pigment layering—a testament to her dedication to mastering traditional painting techniques while simultaneously embracing experimental approaches. She seeks to capture the essence of ‘time’ and ‘process,’ conveying dynamism and evolution through carefully considered visual elements—a reflection of Barns-Graham's pioneering spirit. Wardman’s unwavering dedication to exploring ‘fragment’ as a generative force—a core element of her artistic practice—continues to inspire artists and scholars alike, ensuring the enduring legacy of her work within British art history.