Continuing our Inspired by the Coast series, where we share the work of creatives who have found inspiration from the environment on and near the Coast Path, we introduce artist Katie Mes. Katie’s art captures special memories created with loved ones on her adventures around the coast and countryside. In her artwork, she experiments with sketching, photography and collage.
I have always had an artistic flare since I was a small child. At 7 years old I went to school dressed as ‘Bridget from DIY SOS’ for careers day; Bridget’s job was to up-cycle, paint things and ultimately make a house a home. To me, that’s what art is – the act of making a house a home, putting your own personal touch on the space that you so often exist within. This also goes hand in hand with my full-time career in Architecture.
Since 2014, I have been studying and practicing Architecture which has led me to some amazing places and given me a perspective on the world which I never knew before. My studies have opened my eyes to spaces and movements which influence us everyday as well as our urge for connection with nature. Over the years, I have travelled Europe, Australia and Asia and lived in Devon, Cornwall and Wales, always surrounded by new adventures on the coast or in the countryside. I believe exploring to be my biggest influence on my artwork with the addition of companionships – I draw each special place whilst revisiting the memories I made there, each person in my pictures depict a piece of myself and loved ones.
At a time in my life where I was pretty lost and sad, I discovered by favourite ever coastal walk in St Ives. The walk was peaceful, with very little phone signal, I managed to switch off from the world and be present; taking in each small cove I passed and submerging myself in the summer seas. From Porthcurno to Porthgwarra, the stretch of coast is enriched with the history behind the Minack Theatre and the local fishing village. This peaceful part of Cornwall is inspirational and completely immersing. Coastal walks have forever provided me with a sense of escape from reality and growing up with such easy access to the coast path has given me an endless supply of memories and contentment.
Living in St Ives was the pivotal moment for me where I really delved into my creative side and began making and selling art. I spent winter in St Ives doing weekly art classes and volunteering at The Tate St Ives, then summer exploring the coast path surrounding the most beautiful part of Cornwall, maybe even the world (in my humble opinion). I would visit new places and draw the street scenes and seascapes, take pictures of the wildlife, and spend hours drawing what I had found on my adventures. I spent my first pay packet on an iPad Pro. My drawing process had always been a mixture of sketching, tracing photographs and adding layers through collage. The use of my iPad made this process far more efficient and encouraged further experiments. I love how dynamic the iPad software is and the fact I can pick it up and work wherever.
Fast forward to now, I function much in the same way. I am inspired by new places, swimming in small coves, and finding peace through hidden gems along the coast path. I often document my walks and swims through photos and films, which I revisit to capture the perfect moments in sketch form. Every print replicates memories and loved ones, I hope everyone can find a little piece of themselves or the places they love in each print!
Follow Katie on social media and check out her shop!
Instagram @katiemesdesigns
Facebook @Katie Mes Designs
Etsy Shop @KatieMesDesigns
Buy South West Coast Path Christmas cards, designed by Katie Mes, at our online shop.
The South West Coast Path 