Kokova Magazine

Duck Egg Blue Design Company is a mixed media art business, run from the home of Claire Medhurst. Claire is a busy mum of two and has been really crafty, getting into art and design, with anything from cushions to bunting she has had a go at it all.

Four years ago, her first project had her selling pretty little A-Line dresses for girls up to the age of five. She used unusual fabrics and the dresses were beautifully simple, perfect as brides-maids dresses or for a party. After a few more years of experimenting with different art materials Claire decided she would use mixed media to create little paintings of animals, birds, and countryside. This creative work utilises all of Claire's art skills and she at last felt satisfied that this would work for her as a business.

Claire launched her artwork18 months ago. She works from her desk in her living room and spends as much time on her craft as she can.

"I often get distracted all day creating something and then fitting it around the family, which can be difficult sometimes. I am so lucky on my drive to school every morning I can see birds, and beautiful scenery."

Often staying up late in the evening to get a project completed, when the house is quiet and everyone else has gone to bed Claire can get achieve more in the quieter hours. Her inspiration comes from the local countryside, British wildlife and birds.

Claire sits and sketches whenever she has a moment to spare, and gets many ideas from simply looking out the window or visiting different places.

Everything is an expression or her experiences, making her artwork so personal. She enjoys the work of many artists including Louise Rawlings, Katrin Moye, 'Hens Teeth' textile art and Suzanne Saunders. Her own personal favourite piece is her 'bunny' and is a range she has lots of plans to move forward with.

Once Claire has created a new piece of artwork the next step is to have it professionally photographed and prints produced. Claire has an online shop and offers commissions - with orders from as far as Hong Kong and regularly shipping to Europe, the Duck Egg Blue Design Company is growing.

During the Dorking Victorian Fair weekend of 16th July Claire will be exhibiting at the'Brockham Expo Art Exhibition at Brockham Village Hall in Dorking.

For more please visit www.duckeggbluedesigncompany.com