French artist Claire de Quénetain brings her signature painterly touch to Pepper with a collection inspired by her lifelong love of gardens. Claire’s designs weave together soft colors, organic forms, and a fluid sense of movement to create a dreamlike interpretation of nature. From whimsical florals to enchanting animal motifs, this collection captures the perfect balance of sophistication and playfulness, breathing life into interiors with every brushstroke. Following along to learn more about Claire!
First off, tell us a little about yourself!
I started designing my own collections of fabrics 5 years ago after completing a masters in printed textiles at the Royal College of Art in London. It was at the RCA that I heard everything about textiles, colors and repeats. I discovered my love for painting there, and since then, I never stopped painting nature.
What are some major sources of inspiration for your artwork?
My main inspiration comes from my childhood. I grew up in a house in Normandy surrounded by a big garden and a forest, where my parents were farming deer. I have always carried this atmosphere in my heart. Over time, I began reading extensively about gardens and selecting subjects I wanted to explore. I document my inspirations, collect images from garden visits, study colors, and build a narrative. My goal is to create my own visual language of nature.
We love the whimsical yet sophisticated feel of your artwork! What draws you to that style, and how does your medium help you achieve that balance in your designs?
There is always a garden in my mind when I design–either one I have visited or the one from my childhood, which brings a special atmosphere into my work. I take photos, collect images that inspire me, and remain flexible with my color palette. When I draw and paint nature, I try to capture movement, freshness, and vibrancy through a combination of lines and colors. I always start with a vision of what I want to achieve, but the final result is often something else, which can be frustrating. This pushes me to keep exploring until I find something that really speaks to me.
How do you envision people using the collection in their homes?
I believe this collection will fit beautifully into people’s homes due its soft colors and organic shapes. Some patterns would be perfect for a child’s bedroom, while others would look fantastic in a dining room. I can see the more detailed patterns making a statement in an entrance.
Is there a particular pattern in this collection that holds special meaning for you?
Yes, Ruby! I don’t usually paint animals and I think the relationship between the animals, plants, and flowers works really well.
What excites you the most about seeing your art come to life in textiles and wallpaper?
I love translating my paintings into repeating patterns because it adds another layer of meaning and complexity to the composition. When my paintings are printed on wallpapers and fabrics it brings life to my creativity.