The way UK artist Claire Softley sees it, sometimes it's the 'happy accidents' that lead to the best results. We daresay there's a lot more than chance at play, though, when it comes to her mixed media masterpieces. Using a blend of collage, paint and ink, Claire builds up layers of geometric shapes and bold colours, turning the humdrum of our daily lives into something worthy of a space on your wall.

We asked her a few questions about her striking work.

What is your name and how old are you? Claire Softley, 30 years old.

Where were you born and where do you live now? I was born in Norwich, a small city in the east of England. I moved to London to go to art school, met my partner and moved back to his hometown on the Essex coast. We live there now with our one-year-old son. It's only a short train journey away from London.



How does where you grew up and where you live now affect your art? I grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere and now I live in the suburbs, so it couldn't be more different! There is a juxtaposition of organic and geometric forms in my work. I wonder whether this is as a result of my relationship with the two very different spaces I have spent my life in.

Please describe the space where you do most of your creation – whether it's your art studio or kitchen bench! I have a studio at home; It's shared with my partner, who is also an artist. The room is at the back of our house, and has old double doors which open up onto the garden, white walls and painted floor boards. I have a long trestle table desk and a drawing board that I never use, as I always end up working on the floor!

What kind of mediums do you use? Why do you choose to use these mediums? I like using materials that aren't always easy to control, that allow for happy accidents. Collage, bush and ink, wax crayons and watercolour. At the moment my work is predominantly collage. I have boxes and drawers full of cut up magazines, leaflets and unsuccessful work - I like to think I'm doing my bit for the environment!



Is there a running theme to the work you create, or do you just make whatever comes to mind? Inspiration can come from anywhere. My personal work is often about the objects, people and domestic spaces of everyday life. I collect old 35mm slides, photographs and postcards, memorabilia from the lives of others. It's finding beauty within the ordinary that interests me.

What kinds of ideas and things are you working on at the moment? I've wanted to print fabric for years and I have finally started working on some designs. Lots of my work already features pattern and repetition, so I'm hoping it will lend itself well to printing on fabric. I'm really looking forward to exploring the process, it has been a very long time since I did any printmaking.

If you were to teach an art appreciation class, what kind of lessons would you try to teach your students? The importance of looking. Really seeing and being able to reflect on a piece of work takes time. We live in a world over-saturated by visual stimuli, most of which is absolute rubbish. Taking the time to slow down and appreciate a carefully considered and well-executed piece of work is rewarding on many levels.



Do you think people need to understand the artist's intention to appreciate the art? On one hand I don't think you need to at all - when I visit an exhibition I hardly ever read the associated literature! I think it is important to bring your own experiences and ideas to the work. But I have also found, especially with artists I admire, an understanding of their ideas and methodologies has lead to a much deeper appreciation of their work.

What do you doodle when you are daydreaming? I don't have time to doodle! Life with my son is very busy. When there is an opportunity to be in the studio, I just have to get on with it. Before my son was born I worried I would never have time to work again. I have actually found that now my time is so precious, I'm even more focused and productive than before.

What other budding artists do you love? There are contemporary artists that I admire: Jockum Nordström, Evren Tekinoktay, Luke Best and Phoebe Unwin, to name a few. But the artists I return to again and again were probably 'budding' around the 1940s/50s. I love the work of Robert Motherwell, Franz Kline, Cy Twombly and Robert Rauschenberg.



What do you enjoy doing when not creating art? Spending time with my family. Our son is growing up so quickly, I don't want miss out on any of it! I love London, visiting friends, exhibitions and museums - I just wish I had more time!

Where can we see more of your work? clairesoftley.co.uk and clairesoftley.tumblr.com.