Inspired By The Coast

Our Inspired by the Coast blog series brings together artists from across the South West, sharing their inspirations, creative processes, and what the Coast Path means to them and their art.

With the help of poets, painters, potters and other independent artists across the south west, our Inspired By The Coast series celebrates different perspectives on what the Trail means to people and demonstrates how it creatively inspires and supports people in such different ways.  

Scroll down to learn more about our growing community of artists and see examples of their work. 

Photographer and Lino Print Artist, Mark Lord

Photographer and lino print artist Mark Lord creates snapshots of Cornwall, capturing the coastline he calls home. Mark’s prints include iconic retro classics and veg from his family allotment, but the sea and perspective of the Coast Path has deeply influenced the composition of his recent work and has been instrumental to Mark’s development as an artist. Read Mark's blog here.

“I’ve also always been fascinated by the way footpaths sculpt themselves through the landscape: furrows, trenches and deep grooves where thousands have walked before me, a sense of history carved into the landscape. Being by the sea at any time of year is just a huge inspiration - whether it’s a stormy day with gunmetal skies or the sea is a clear, turquoise millpond, I love it all.” 

Examples of Mark's work

To see more of Mark's work, follow his Instagram @linolordpress, Facebook @Lino Lord Press, or visit his website www.linolord.com

Printmaker and Illustrator, Laura Nunn

Devon-based printmaker and illustrator Laura Nunn, the artist behind The Black Pug Press, captures the beauty and joy of special places in her designs, inspired by her love of nature, wild swimming, and adventures along the Coast Path. For Laura, printmaking is an antidote to the need for instant gratification, each print taking weeks to complete, culminating in a magical design. Read Laura's blog here.

“Those breathtaking views from a clifftop, the clear, turquoise water of a secret cove, the exhilarating expanse and feeling of absolute freedom are what truly inspire me as an artist. I also love to capture the abundant wildlife of the region – whether on land or in the vast ocean that surrounds us.” 

Examples of Laura's work

To see more of Laura's work, follow her Instagram @theblackpugpress, Facebook @The Black Pug Press or visit her website www.theblackpugpress.com

Fine Art Student, Hannah Jenkinson

Hannah Jenkinson works from a small studio built from reclaimed farm materials, that overlooks the South West Coast Path.  She makes expressive visual art with a passion for exploring relationships with nature. She cherishes the stretch of coast path that runs through her home and has walked and sketched there for years. Read Hannah's blog here.

“A drawing or painting is an expression of feelings about my environment that I can’t express in language. The process of making a mark on paper begins an articulation of deeper thoughts about what it is to be human. My art follows the Seasons. I draw and paint what I see around me in the moment, often from life, combined with imagined forms and colours. I use sticks or feathers and other found objects, that I collect when out walking, to apply paints and inks.” 

Examples of Hannah's work

To see more of Hannah's work, follow her Instagram @hannahjenkinson_artist_moostow or Facebook @The Ant House.

Contemporary Artist, Penny Sherwood

Contemporary coastal artist, Penny Sherwood, has a love for the Cornish coastline which is deeply evident in her artwork. Not only do her paintings depict seasonal changes, personal stories and memories on and near to the coast, but her interest is piqued by the smaller details; matted fishing ropes and nets, or the glimpse of a house on the horizon. Read Penny's blog here.

"There’s no doubt the biggest influence on my artwork is Cornwall and the Cornish coast. Having a personal connection to the places and views I paint, or to experience them for myself, is important to me. I like to know what each place is like, to amble along and see different perspectives across land and sea. I think some subjects of my artwork connect with stories and memories and the drive to paint them maybe about what it felt like to be there, rather than something I specifically observed. That said, small details catch my eye, such as swaying coastal flora, the direction of the waves, or the way the light dances on the cliffs."

Examples of Penny's work

To see more of Penny's work, follow her Instagram @pen_sherwood_art, Facebook @Penny Sherwood Art or visit her website www.pennysherwood.co.uk

Jewellery Designer, Hannah Louise Lamb

Jewellery designer Hannah Louise Lamb creates bespoke designs that reflect life’s personal stories. Inspired by the rugged beauty of coastline, mountain range and skyline, Hannah’s jewellery evokes a real sense of place, with many of her designs inspired by her experience of growing up on Cornwall’s coastline and her customers’ special memories and milestones. Read Hannah's blog here.

“A huge part of the bespoke requests I receive are based on the South West Coastline, sometimes the whole of it, sometimes just a particular section that holds personal meaning; where they got married, where they got engaged, their late family’s favourite place, where a loved one’s ashes are scattered, their favourite holiday, or any milestones big and small, there’s always a reason. The coast means so much to so many.”

Examples of Hannah's work

To see more of Hannah's work, follow her Instagram @hannahlouiselamb, Facebook @Hannah Louise Lamb or visit her website www.hannahlouiselamb.com