Inspired by the Coast – The South West Coast Path

Inspired by the Coast: Jo Payne

For North Devon artist Jo Payne, the coast is both inspiration and muse. Drawing on the ever-changing skies, shimmering seas and dramatic landscapes that surround her home, Jo creates expressive, elemental artworks that capture the beauty and atmosphere of the coastline. Working primarily in acrylics, often enhanced with gold, silver or copper leaf and handmade collage materials, her process blends intuition with craftsmanship. Daily walks along the South West Coast Path and the North Devon coast provide a constant source of inspiration, from sweeping horizons and changing light to hidden coves, harbours and rugged headlands. Rather than painting specific locations, Jo absorbs the colours, textures and emotions of the coast, allowing them to emerge naturally through her work.

Inspired by the Coast

Inspired by the Coast: Sam Godfrey

Sam Godfrey is a multidisciplinary artist, writer and curator currently studying for a PhD in Art History and Visual Culture by Practice at the University of Exeter. They work with textiles, sound and digital mediums to make large-scale installations that encourage touch, interaction and rest. As part of a new project, a poem and soundscape created by Sam has been installed as a QR code at the Ronald Duncan Writing Hut, which is located on the Coast Path as it passes from Marsland Mouth to Welcombe Mouth.

Inspired by the Coast

Inspired by the Coast: Maggie Cochran

Discover the creative world of Cornish-based artist Maggie, whose stunning paintings are inspired by daily walks along the dramatic Cornish coastline. In this inspiring interview, Maggie shares how the changing light, shifting tides, wild coastal landscapes and powerful emotions she experiences by the sea shape her distinctive work in oil and cold wax.

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Behind the Lens III

A photo essay of the 2025 Photographer of the Year winning images PLUS the runner up images. Discover the story behind the lens and read about the photographers who have inspired our judges, and captured some truly stunning images of their time on the South West Coast Path in 2025.

Inspired by the Coast

Inspired by the Coast – Don Taylor

We are delighted to introduce Don Taylor, an artist who takes his inspiration from the land and sea of the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. Working with driftwood, coppiced wood, and the unique serpentine stone that can only be found here, natural materials fuel his creativity.

Inspired by the Coast

Inspired by the Coast – Dreya Glass

Introducing Dreya Glass Art, where glass artworks are shaped and inspired by Dreya’s love for the sea and coastline. For Dreya, the ocean is a constant force in her life, from a childhood in West Africa, to the shores of Cornwall, Dreya’s art reflects her passion for the coast and the ocean environment.