What inspires your illustrations?
Nature is at the heart of everything I create. Living in East Devon, I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by countryside, moors and of course, the coast. I’m always drawn outdoors, seeking the peace, serenity and quiet magic that comes with time spent in nature. My illustrations are a reflection of that joy; a way of capturing and sharing the wonder I feel when immersed in the natural world.
Why is the South West Coast Path important to you?
The South West Coast Path is endlessly inspiring. Its landscapes shift with the seasons and each stretch offers something new—from the red cliffs and winding paths of Dawlish and Teignmouth to the wildlife-filled spaces around the Exe Estuary and the smooth pebbles of Budleigh Salterton. I also spend a lot of time on the North Cornish coast, where the dark grey cliffs, wide sandy beaches and sightings of seals among the pink sea thrift are a constant source of visual delight. It’s a treasure trove of textures, colours and light and there is always new inspiration to be found.
What is the biggest influence on your designs?
Cold-water swimming has become a huge influence on my work. I can’t be near the sea without wanting to be in it! It’s the feeling of anticipation, tingling cold and exhilaration you get from a sea swim, and some of my most popular pieces resonate with people who share that same joy from a cold dip. Winter sunrises are my most favourite time to swim (or rather bob!). Just 5 minutes on a calm day in a mirror-flat sea, with the sun rising over the water casting dazzling sparkles—it’s hard to explain how great it feels! The South West Coast Path leads to so many different swimming locations and it’s amazing how different it feels being in the water from one space to the next. Sheltered coves, rocky peninsulas and enormous sandy stretches with waves to play in. Each brings a new perspective and it really fires up my creativity.
How does the outdoors shape your designs?
The outdoors influences everything I make. I’m endlessly inspired by plants, wildlife and the shapes and textures found in abundance along the Coast Path. The natural world constantly sparks my imagination and there’s always something new to notice or a detail to translate into collage. I try to capture not just how a place looks, but how it feels to be there. This love of the natural world extends to my own garden too. My no-dig, organic, cottage-style space is a haven for biodiversity, full of plants and wildlife that inspire many of my designs. It’s a living, growing extension of my creativity and a reflection of my obsession with all things botanical!
Tell us about the process of creating your illustrations
My illustration process begins with repurposing old magazines. I like to create patterns and textures with the paint to try and recreate patterns and textures in nature. I think this technique lends itself well to portray the constant movement of seascapes and water. Sometimes I let text from the original page peek through, as a quiet nod to the artwork’s origins. I then cut the painted paper and build my images through collage. I rarely plan things out beforehand; I prefer a more organic approach—experimenting, arranging and adjusting shapes until something clicks. Often my favourite designs come from unexpected combinations. Once the collage is complete, I secure everything with glue and for editorial work, scan and edit the piece digitally to refine it or tailor it to a brief. I have been lucky enough to create work for the National Trust and The Simple Things magazine as well as greetings card companies and for my own sales.
Guest blog written by Christina Carpenter.
About Christina
Christina is an illustrator creating both handmade and digital collage pieces, inspired by nature and life by coast. A graduate of Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Graphic Design, she specialised in illustration and has continued to develop her creative practice alongside a career in Primary Teaching. Christina has produced work for respected clients and publishers, and her prints and cards are available in local independent shops and online. She lives in Exeter with her husband and two sons.
Visit Christina’s website www.christinacarpenter.co.uk and keep up to date with her social media on Instagram @PlantPaperScissors and Facebook @Plant Paper Scissors.
The South West Coast Path 