Claire Millett Lima is a mixed media artist raised in coastal Newport, Oregon. At age 16, she dropped out of high school to focus on her education. She works out of her studio in Somerville, Massachusetts.

My sculptures serve as a reflection on the importance of forming relationships and connections in a society that often stigmatizes what it doesn't understand. My work is not a call to action but an invitation to listen and to discover the hidden good within what is often perceived as bad or undesirable. By using common urban plants typically labeled as weeds or invasive species, I invite the audience to reconsider their perceptions and appreciate the value and potential of these overlooked plants. 

In my artistic practice, I not only observe these plants in their natural habitat but actively engage with them, forming a personal connection that extends to my sense of home and belonging. After harvesting, I begin the intricate process of weaving, bundling, and needle felting, incorporating various species within felt, yarn and copper filaments. This incorporation serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of seeking understanding before passing judgment. I also keep larger pieces of the plant intact so viewers can easily identify them as members of their own community. The sculptures that emerge are lavish, harmonious forms which counteract and balance the lens through which these plants are seen. 

Ultimately, my sculptures invite viewers to question their assumptions and expand their worldview, prompting them to consider the importance of nurturing relationships and building connections with all living beings. By celebrating the beauty and resilience of urban plants deemed as weeds, I hope to inspire a more compassionate and sustainable approach to coexisting with nature in our urban environments.