Originally from the South Island, Claire Jensen spent her childhood & early adult years in tropical North Queensland, Australia.  There she studied visual arts majoring in sculpture and print-making.  Later she went on to study 'education' and has worked in Australia, the UK and New Zealand as an art teacher.

In 2005, Claire and her family settled back into New Zealand and set up her studio in the small coastal Taranaki town of Opunake.  She sculpts from mostly recycled materials.

Much of Claire's work explores themes relating to nature and the environment.  She enjoys working with found objects and collected materials such as wood, metal and plastic as she is passionate abour reusing resources and creating works of art with sustainable conscience.

The materials she collects governs the project and the technique in which she makes them.  Most recently Claire is exploring carving native bird feathers from salvaged native timbers  - these pieces represent what is precious to our national identity, our flora and fauna.