Exploring Cornish art: A collection of the region’s finest work
Cornwall is a place of unparalleled natural beauty and artistic inspiration. The county’s rugged coastline and windswept moorlands have captivated the hearts of many, including a vibrant community of talented artists.
Shop Cornish is lucky enough to have partnered with many of these talented creatives and in this week’s blog, we are excited to introduce a selection of our Cornish artists and some of their stunning contributions to the Cornish art scene.
Fiona Cant – Painter
With her uplifting, semi-abstract landscape paintings, Fiona Cant is one of Cornwall’s brightest stars in the world of contemporary artwork. Painting intuitively, Fiona draws on her rich life experiences and memories, whilst also taking inspiration from the wilderness.
Depicting bluebells, which are symbolic of kindness, her beautiful piece Field of Kindness radiates joyful indigo blues and reminds us of the bluebells that crop up in Cornish hedgerows, and woodlands each springtime.
All of Fiona’s available artwork can be found on her website and Fiona also takes private commissions.
Niko Brown – Fused Glass Artist
Heartwarming and fun, Niko Brown’s handcrafted fused glass creations are inspired by her childhood memories of the great outdoors and the freedom felt there.
Niko works from her studio in North Cornwall and creates charming fused glass works of art such as Nippers – featuring 4 little glass crabs, each with their own markings. Enhanced with hand-drawn details and mounted in a handmade frame, Niko’s work takes you to a happy place and never fails to bring a smile.
Alchemy Tiles – Hand-Carved Tile Artist
Keeping the thousand-year-old craft of Inlay Tiles alive, Mel Chambers from Alchemy Tiles makes individually hand-crafted tiles and specialises in bespoke kitchen, bathroom, and fireplace pieces, as well as a superb range of homewares and house signs.
Often featuring scenes inspired by nature and the animal world, many of Alchemy Tiles’ pieces also have motivating quotes and thought-provoking poetry on them.
We feature examples of Mel’s bathroom and kitchen splashbacks. You can find the full Alchemy Tiles range at alchemytiles.com.
Jo Downs – Fused Glass Designer
As one of the country’s best-known fused glass artists, Jo Downs is often commissioned to create statement interior pieces for homes and businesses throughout the country. She has 6 galleries across Cornwall and an online shop on her website where her captivating work is available for sale.
From artwork to home accessories, Jo’s unique eye for design shines through. We are particularly taken with her Fused Glass Art Frames which come in sizes small to XL. Many of the designs are inspired by the Cornish coast, such as the Artisan John Dory Art Frame that is exquisitely hand-painted in soft blues and yellows. Explore the full Jo Downs collection here.
Dr Martin Raskovsky – Photographic Artist
Dr Martin Raskovsky’s digitally manipulated photographic artwork will inspire your imagination and transport you to a dream-like world. Martin’s beautifully abstract pieces are both intriguing and mythical, appearing in genres ranging from landscapes to seascapes – and even the female form.
Each of his pieces speaks to you in a different way and we found ourselves particularly drawn to Martin’s limited-edition prints, Island I and Island II, with uninhabited islands and lone sailing boats in the magical waters. These pieces are available as high-quality giclee prints and are printed on demand.
David Perry – Fused Glass & Ceramic Artist
From his workshop in Penryn, Cornwall, David Perry creates irresistibly colourful fused glass interior accessories in his trademark striped and chequered designs. In a kaleidoscope of colourways, you’re bound to find a piece that perfectly complements your home and makes a strong style statement. Think Multicoloured Checkered Glass Spoon Rests and even glass Chess Boards that act as an eye-catching focal point in a room.
Evocative Cornwall – Cornish Photography
Evocative Cornwall is owned and run by Pen & Ewan McClymont and showcases the work of top Cornish photographers in an annual calendar. Featuring photographs of Cornish landscape, culture, and history, this ethically made calendar reveals the lesser-known side of Cornwall, giving a glimpse into everyday life through the changing seasons.
It includes the dates of key festivals and events in Cornwall as well as handy tide tables for all beach and sea dwellers! And it’s great to know that 10% of profits are donated to Cornish charities, doing good for the county we call home!
St Ives Glass Studio – Glass Artist
Artisan glass artists Sally and Adam Carver make a wonderfully unique range of glass jewellery and homewares from their studio in St Ives.
Their pieces have an exceptional level of detail and creativity, such as the Fused Glass Murrini Heart Picture which is made from tiny ‘cane murrini’ using fine Italian murano glass. Set in a white frame, this piece is ready to display in your home, and you’ll find yourself admiring it for years to come!
Claire Harris – Fused Glass Artist
Cornish artist, Claire Harris, is a self-taught master of fused glass, meaning she has developed a unique style of her own. Her fused glass pieces are made from layers of thin coloured glass, crushed glass, and powdered glass, giving them amazing texture and interest.
A perfect example of her work is the Trio of Seals Freestanding Wave which sparkles and reflects light in the same way that the ocean does. This handmade piece looks great displayed on a windowsill or shelf and looks beautiful with either natural sunlight shining through it or the flicker of candlelight from a candle behind it.
Visit fusedglassbyclaireharris.co.uk or pop into Claire’s St Austell shop and studio to see more of her work.
Find standout Cornish art for your home at Shop Cornish.