writing – 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.

SWCP Journeys

On the Edge: Walking the South West Coast Path with Limited Sight

A selection of images entered into the 2025 SWCP Photographer of the Year Competition introduced us to one of our valuable members, Lena Welch, and her epic challenge to walk the South West Coast Path in stages. Friends and walk supporters captured some special moments on the Jurassic Coast section with one photograph being awarded a third place in the People and Path category of the competition. We are delighted to share Lena’s journey so far.

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.

Inspired by the Coast

Inspired by the Coast – Ingrid Brown

Ingrid Brown is an artist based in Cornwall, who takes much of her inspiration from walks, time in nature, human interaction and the subtle rhythms of daily life at home and elsewhere. Her painted artworks are often created outside, ‘en plein air’; where she is exposed to the natural elements of the ever-changing Cornish weather.