Claire Barclay questions our perception of crafts with a new sculptural installation responding to the light and architecture of Gallery 3.

Using handcrafted techniques and industrial methods, she works in clay, wood, straw and metal. The process of making is fundamental to her sensitive configurations.

Barclay took part in the 'Early One Morning' exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in 2002 which heralded a new generation of sculptors. Here she is given free rein to pursue her pure pleasure in the process of making.

Her sensitive configurations of different sculpted objects create dynamic juxtapositions of industrial methods and handcrafted items. At Camden Arts Centre she uses straw bales, lime render, fabric, stainless steel, woven straw and leather.

"Often likened to three-dimensional drawings in space, where each pole, plank and rope represents a carefully placed line drawn between the floor, the ceiling and the walls, her sculptural environments are held together by their own tension."
Emma Mahoney, British Art Show 6, Hayward Gallery, London, 2005.

Barclay challenges our attitudes to ‘craft’ - by employing traditional techniques associated with alternative lifestyle cultures and non-fine art practices, she questions the marginalisation of some crafts and their commodification.