Meet our Hampstead installation artist: Claire Knill

My background is in multimedia textile design, and looking back, my work has always had a sculptural quality. I’ve long been fascinated by the balance between construction and deconstruction, and my journey into suspended sculpture evolved naturally from wall hangings and traditional decorative crafts. 

Over time, I became drawn to movement and shadows – how a sculpture can change throughout the day with shifting light and airflow. I wanted to explore composition over time, much like the way a tree sways in the breeze or light dances across a surface. 

“Much of my work is inspired by fleeting moments.”

Claire Knill

What inspired The Willow Tree? 

Much of my work is inspired by fleeting moments – light shifting through leaves, the rhythm of movement, or the way a space feels. For this installation, I wanted to explore the role of nature in urban spaces – how a sense of openness and connection can foster creativity and play. 

Thinking back to my own childhood, I remembered a huge willow tree I used to play beneath. It felt vast, its branches creating a world of its own. That feeling of awe and belonging is something I wanted to bring to the fair – offering visitors a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with something bigger than themselves. 

Has living by the seaside in Hove influenced your work? 

Yes! The expansiveness of the sea, the sense of time slowing down, and the way the horizon constantly shifts has absolutely shaped my approach to art. It’s taught me the importance of stillness and reflection, which in turn allows for renewed creativity and engagement with the world. 

“I rarely plan my sculptures on paper – I prefer to build and experiment, allowing the materials to guide the process.”

Claire Knill

What does your creative process look like? 

I rarely plan my sculptures on paper – I prefer to build and experiment, allowing the materials to guide the process. A big part of my work is about observing movement and balance, so I spend as much time adjusting and refining as I do creating. 

I start by making small maquettes, taking photos and videos along the way. Sometimes I use collage and embroidery as warm-up exercises to get into a flow. The final sculptures come together layer by layer, with light and movement always in mind. 

I also love collaboration – whether with other artists, viewers, or even the space itself. Art is about interaction, and I’m always excited to see how people respond to the work. 

What challenges do you face when creating suspended sculptures? 

Achieving the right balance and equilibrium is key. If a sculpture isn’t weighted correctly before it’s fixed in place, it can collapse, meaning I sometimes have to take it apart and start over, which requires a lot of patience!

At large scales, it’s also a very physical process – climbing ladders, balancing my own body while assembling, and pushing my limits to bring the vision to life. Outside of my art, I practice climbing and sea swimming, both of which help me stay strong and grounded, which is essential for this kind of work. 

I want people to pause, breathe, and feel connected – to themselves, to others, and to something larger than everyday life. The sculpture is about expansiveness, but also playfulness and joy, which we sometimes forget to make space for in our busy lives. 

I also see rest as something active and energising. It’s not just about slowing down, but about renewal and inspiration. I hope The Willow Tree creates a moment of dynamic rest, where visitors can reflect, but also feel uplifted and engaged. 

Your installations are breathtaking in large spaces! How can buyers incorporate smaller sculptures into their homes? 

Lara Bowen, Founder of Lara Bowen Contemporary:

Suspended sculptures can add texture, personality, and a sense of movement without overwhelming a space. They work beautifully in windows, stairwells, above dining tables, or tucked into reading nooks, where they can interact with natural light. 

For a more playful, layered effect, they can also be hung near paintings or wall art! I love seeing Claire’s work alongside Becky Blair’s paintings, for example. The way they interact adds a three-dimensional, moving quality to her work. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Claire Knill (@claireknillart)