Zoe James

Zoe grew up on the south coast of Cornwall. Her grandmother was a painter and inspired her from a young age to take an interest in art.

Current work explores impermanence: the transient moments on our shores, temporary spaces and migrations, capturing the charismatic diversity of beach life. Each painting explores a unique view of crowds moving across the shorelines. Abstract patterns and textile qualities emerge from the beach paraphernalia creating a painterly impression of our Busy Beaches.

Zoe studied fine art and literature at Middlesex University gaining a first class honours degree. After working in music, theatre and with an independent film company, she returned to Cornwall and set up Wasteland Arts a recycled art and card company which achieved national sales. Teaching on the foundation course at St. Austell College and then in Primary education gave her the opportunity to teach abroad in Italy. Travelling in Africa, India and surfing on the North Cornwall coast eventually brought her to Wadebridge, where the new series began.