Somerset artist gets online boost

A Wellington-based artist believes her new online presence has made an impact to her industry profile in a matter of weeks.

Claire Western has secured a new gallery representation and inclusion in a regional exhibition since her website went live. The site, created by Tiverton-based web design agency Oxygen, includes a portfolio of her work as well as her exhibitions.

“I’m absolutely delighted with my new website,” said Claire.. “Oxygen made the whole design and build process straightforward and enjoyable.

“In the three months since it went online I’ve had work accepted by the Marle Gallery in Axminster and have paintings on show at the current Summer Open exhibition at the prestigious Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton and the annual Sherborne Art Society show. So it’s definitely working for me.”

Malcolm Buttel, creative director at Oxygen, said: “The web is increasingly where people start looking for products, services and contacts. In a way, it has overtaken personal recommendation because in seconds people can see who you are and what your reputation is from your website. In Claire’s case it proves that a website shouldn’t be seen as a cost, but an investment.”