Claire Duboksy is an artist and teacher whose creative practice often revolves around transforming natural, found objects into art that highlights their beauty and essence. Her work involves mussel shells, nīkau fronds, palm tree fronds, and saplings, which she reimagines into new forms by accentuating their natural shapes. Claire’s art is a playful exploration of creativity, finding joy in converting ordinary items into something unexpected and intriguing.

In addition to her work with found objects, Claire is also a muralist, often commissioned to create large-scale works that tell stories rooted in the history and landscape of a given area. This structured approach allows her to merge research with artistic expression, creating narratives that resonate with the communities she serves.

Claire’s teaching practice reflects her belief in the importance of creativity. She designs projects that allow students of all skill levels to achieve a sense of accomplishment, while also encouraging those with more interest and ability to push further.

“I used to do a lot of just painting for painting’s sake. As I get older, I don’t want to do that anymore because I don’t want to collect art. I want to do it.”

One of her most rewarding experiences was supervising a school mural project initiated by a 12-year-old student. The project culminated in winning second place in the Resene Masterpiece Mural Competition. This collaborative effort exemplified the power of creativity and community, bringing Claire immense satisfaction and joy.