Vivian Claman

Vivian Claman was born in Montreal Quebec in 1956. She received a degree in Fashion Design from Bassist Institute in Portland Oregon. Vivian ran a successful custom apparel design studio in Vancouver for several years, well known for her wedding gowns, and evening attire. She was a founding member and active participant of the West Coast Designers Group. She then moved to Montreal, where she worked as in in-house designer for such companies as Joseph Ribkoff and Louben Sportswear before returning to Vancouver to design for the Mr. Jax Company. After taking time to raise her 3 children and support her ailing parents, she discovered oil painting as means of expressing her creativity, which soon developed into a fulltime passion.

I’m drawn to the clean lines and geometric shapes of rocks and still life, enjoying the skill and discipline required to create photo-realistic images. But I also enjoy abstract painting and the freedom it affords to express myself. I love creating lasting memories of people’s pets, using photo-realism while trying to capture the essence of their personalities. My favourite pieces are those for which I have been commissioned, as these are always opportunities to challenge myself as an artist.

She has received commissions for pet paintings and various other artworks. Her artwork has been part of a group show at the “Sydney and Gertrude Art Gallery”; and is presently displayed in Vancouver restaurants and at a local Therapy Centre.