My Story

Why I Create Coastal Art

The sea and connection to the natural world drives my creative process, resulting in pieces that resonate with my enduring love for the wild, untamed Cornish coast.  For as long as I can remember I have been drawn to the sea. I am passionate about the spiritual energy and colour of the ocean and how being immersed in wild, natural spaces, where the land, sea and sky meet enhances our ‘blue mind’ state and promotes physical, mental and emotional wellness.

My abstract paintings are an emotional reaction to the beauty and healing spirit of the sea. I am led by my visceral response to the ever changing colours of the ocean, the sense of calm I feel when lost in the vastness of the horizon and the impact this has on my soul .

 My Creative Process

My compositions emerge intuitively through a process of applying layers of colour over a highly textured surface. I create using mixed media; usually with acrylic, pastel, ink and collage and enjoy the freedom of allowing my pieces to emerge through a process of improvisation. For me this means being in the flow when I'm creating and allowing chance and serendipity to determine how a piece evolves. 

A Bit Of Background

I have always been deeply connected to the natural world, especially the rugged and breathtaking landscapes of Cornwall. Born and raised in Manchester, (definitely not near the ocean!)  I enjoyed annual family holidays to Cornwall as a child, which kick started my love affair with the county. The magnetic pull of the coast stayed with me and I moved to North Cornwall in my late twenties. Now, over twenty five years later, with the addition of a husband, two children and a dog, this is the place I call home. 

I am a self taught artist. After a long career as a Teacher and a painful period of burnout and chronic stress, which took a toll on my physical, mental and emotional health, I found myself seeking solace in art and the sea became my natural subject matter. I noticed that I felt calmer when near water and experienced a sense of peace and release which boosted my wellbeing. The more I spent time by the sea, the more I was inspired to paint my response to it. This virtuous circle had a healing effect on me. Years later I discovered the scientific theory behind the 'blue mind state' and how being in or close to water can ease our mind into a meditative state, restoring our health and happiness. To find out more about the this theory please refer to Celebrating the Healing Power of the Ocean my Home page.

So painting and the sea became my medicine. My studio is a converted shed at the bottom of my garden, a stone's throw from the beach. One of my greatest pleasures is painting in the studio with the door open, my dog snoozing at my feet, a mug of tea on the go and the ever present sound of seagulls in the background. 

That’s a little about my life and how and why I came to create the art I make today.  If you feel connected to the story behind my work I invite you to browse my collection of pieces. I hope they resonate and speak to you in a way that brings joy and happiness.

With Gratitude

Zoie x