We’re excited to be hosting an art exhibition by local artist Sophie Moore from 29th April to 10th June 2022. Sophie’s paintings and prints are emotive and tranquil expressions of wild sea swimmers. We had a chat to Sophie to find out more about what led her to being an artist:
Tell us what inspires you to paint swimmers?
Through my paintings, I like to create characters, with stories, in a certain place and time. Usually walking the coast or swimming in the ocean or relaxing by the sea. The coast and ocean makes me feel a deep emotion, that I don’t feel in any other part of my life. From this feeling, you will see that most of my characters facial expressions are lost in the moment or full of certainty and defiance.
What led you to becoming an artist?
I have always been a creative person, at the age of 12 I distinctly remember deciding I wanted to be a fashion designer, and from that moment that was the path I went down. I grew up in Bodmin and went to Bodmin College, and then onto study art and design at Central Saint Martins, finally to study Fashion Atelier at University for the Creative Arts. From graduating, I worked on the design team at Ted Baker, but then made the decision to move back home to Cornwall to set up life with my now husband, who runs a surf school on the North Coast of Cornwall.
What influences your style?
On returning to Cornwall I picked up my paint brush again and began exploring my style. I began to realise that what I enjoy most about painting is that I can join all of my fragmented creative parts. Marrying my Cornish surroundings, with my love of fashion and my interest in people and their stories.
I think my swimmers touch something in people because particularly over the past two years, many people have taken to the waters for different reasons, and found it a profoundly positive experience. For me the ocean is a very emotive element, and I try to emulate this through my swimmers.
Sophie is exhibiting a selection of original works and prints in The Old Library Cafe from 29th April to 10th June. The cafe is open Wednesday to Friday 10.30am to 2pm. The artwork is available to purchase. Pop in for a browse.
To see more of Sophie’s work, please visit www.sophielizabethmoore.co.uk