Claire Hayes Peltharre

I (Sabine Haider, Director of Central Art) have known Claire Hayes for several years now; her artwork is quite versatile as she continues to develop her own style. Claire was born in 1965 at Santa Teresa which is about one hour from Alice Springs in Central Australia. She grew up there and attended the local community school.

Her artworks use vibrant colours and unique designs. She uses predominantly smaller canvas’ however they contain intricate detail with fine dotting. Her works fit within the Keringke style – which is only found in Santa Teresa and was developed by the Keringke Arts Centre by the local women and is renowned for bright, fine dotted paintings.

Her artworks refer specifically to the rich culture of the Eastern Arrente people. Her primary Dreaming is that of the Whirly Wind. In these artworks she depicts the whirly winds swirling around the desert collecting leaves, sand and debris and turning the sky red. Whirly Winds are frequent in Central Australia due to the arid environment. To Aboriginal people they represent the spiritual ancestors travelling through the wind into the next world. Central Art Aboriginal Art Store has some good examples of these artworks. Claire’s art also encompasses the wild flowers which grow after the rain to create a beautiful multi-coloured desert landscape in Eastern Arrente country. She mixes her depictions of the wild flowers with the country and water holes which are found in the area as well as the Dreaming tracks that Aboriginal people follow during ceremonial times.

Her artworks are affordable and beautiful in detail making them a perfect gift for a loved one, particularly those interested in Aboriginal culture and art. Although not collectable, this does not take from the fact that a considerable amount of effort has gone into producing one piece with hours spent completing the fine dotting patterns and selecting bright and vibrant colours and she is an artist in her own right nonetheless.