All About Me

Hello I'm Zoie.

I'm a coastal artist living in Cornwall, drawn to the sea. My work ranges from abstract and semi abstract mixed media textured pieces to more illustrative paintings that capture the beauty and character of coastal life.

I am inspired by the colours, movement and energy of the ocean. My art seeks to communicate the feeling and emotions we experience when close to the sea- calm, freedom, connection and a sense of being able to breathe a little deeper. My hope is that each piece brings a little of that feeling into your home and reminds you to pause, exhale and make space for the things that bring you joy.

Many of my pieces emerge intuitively as I build layers of colour over a textured surface, using a combination of acrylic, pastel, ink and collage. I enjoy allowing serendipity to guide the process and shape how each piece evolves.

A Bit Of Background

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, nearly thirty years later, with the addition of a husband, two children and a dog, this is the place I call home. 

 After a long career as a teacher and a painful period of burnout and chronic stress 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 my sense of well being improved. 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.  You can find out more about this theory in Celebrating the Healing Power of the Ocean on my Home page.

 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 with you in a way that brings a little joy, calm and that wonderful feeling of being by the sea.

With love

Zoie x