Featured Artist: Clare Lilly-Flore

Clare Lilly-Flore is an accomplished illustrator living in rural Maine on a small farm with her husband, daughter, chickens and pigs. Clare is inspired by story, landscape, history and sentiment. Although she is constantly creating work of her own imaginings, she also focuses on commissioned work. Take a look at our interview with her below as well as some of our favorite pieces of her work!

Artist & Craftsman Supply: Who are you and what do you do?

Clare Lilly-Flore: I am a Midwestern-bred gal who grew up on fruit farms and was raised by educators. I settled into rural Maine with my husband where we raise our daughter, chickens, and pigs. I work as a commission illustrator and drawing teacher.

A&C: Did you go to school for art/what is your background?

CLF: I studied at a wonderful state school: Grand Valley State University. There I obtained a BFA in illustration and a minor in geology.

A&C: Do you have a favorite artist/piece of art?

CLF: Its perhaps not the most conventional answer, but I adore Eric Sloan. He’s more of a celebrity in literary circles as opposed to visual. But, he created works that examine the beauty and aesthetic as we assess the functionality of early American craftsmanship.

Eric Sloan (American, 1905–1985) | PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH BARN | Oil on Masonite | 60.3 x 121.9 cm. (23.7 x 48 in.)

A&C: What drew you to art initially?

CLF: I want to tell stories! I want to share and translate emotional moments in the form of image.

A&C: What is your go-to album/artist right now (in the studio)?

CLF: Van Morrison.

A&C: What do you like most about Artist & Craftsman Supply?

CLF: They have everything! As an art teacher and studio artist, it’s my one stop shop.

A&C: What’s one thing you can’t leave the store without buying?

CLF: Mechanical pencil lead!

Huge thanks to Clare! If you want to check out more of her work head over to her website. Do you have an artist you would like to see featured on our blog? Tell us more! Email us with an artist you’re interested in learning more about.