My name is Claire Jones and I am the person behind Circular Design Art.
I am a multidisciplinary, conceptual artist whose practice explores the act of being - emotionally, physically and socially. My work focuses on subject and material research with a strong emphasis around advocacy and education. With a background in contemporary craft and sculpture my work challenges established preconceptions in order to raise awareness.
Of overriding importance to me in my work is my environmental consciousness which leads me to re-purpose materials or find better ways to process them in my pieces. This can be seen in my use of natural biodegradable materials like mycelium, my woollen sculptures using re-purposed wool and in my final university project where I re-use copper pipe and glass. Leaving a small footprint is central to my work.
'The Japanese term Mottainai (勿体無い) that blends the concepts of "what a waste," "don't waste," and "respect for resources" stemming from a deep, often Buddhist-influenced, appreciation for the objects and resources that sustain our lives.' (BBC) aptly sums up my thoughts - there is beauty in the useful and regret in the wasted.
These parameters fuse research, materiality and sensibility into each of my pieces.
EXHIBITIONS:
Resonance Mount Edgcumbe Country Park 2024
A metal sculpture based around the matriarchal line of the Edgcumbe Family
Fairy Tales Leadworks Gallery Plymouth 2023
A mixed-media collection focusing on sustainability
What I Did Last Summer Arts University Plymouth 2023
A mixed-media personal exhibition on cancer treatment
Last Rites of Fertility Arts University Plymouth 2023
Mixed-media wearable art and film
Methods and Materials Arts University Plymouth 2022
Metal and glass automaton
PROJECTS:
Who am I in the Face of Nationalism 2025/2026
Mixed textiles
Emergent Practice 2023/2024
Mixed Media
Encountering Place 2022/2023
Mycelium
COLLABORATIONS:
Global Challenges Workshop Make South West 2023/2024
Recycled paper sketchbooks
Platforms of Exchange 2022/2023
Ceramic Living Wall
COMMISSIONS:
80th anniversary of D Day Sculpture PCC May 2025
My Father’s Nose Mirror Discovering 42 March 2025
Trophy PML July 2024
AWARDS:
Nominated for Global Challenge Award February 2026
INVIGILATION:
Super Natural Eden Project March 2023