Inspired by the ocean

Cornwall’s amazing sea-life is the catalyst for Nigel Kirkham’s highly detailed artworks.

Having painted as a hobby since his early art-school training, artist Nigel Kirkham, or Kirksy as he is known amongst the art world, cites his move to Trebarwith on the north Cornish coast as the inspiration he needed to transition from a long-standing business career to painting full-time.

Working mainly with acrylics, his preferred medium, Nigel specialises in surfboard and canvas art, upcycling and renovating old,
end-of-life surfboards and some framed canvas paintings, which would otherwise be heading to landfill. His work has a distinct pop art feel to it, from the use of vibrant colours and
high-detailing. The surfboard’s shape also lends itself perfectly to the flowing themes of the art he creates, giving a fluidity, dynamism and energy to them.

Subject inspiration comes from the sea and coastline, with a focus on native sea life that can be found on Cornish shores, including mackerel, gurnard, jellyfish, octopus, lobster, crab, squid and more. The works have a strong environmental theme to them, which is particularly evident in his surfboard art. Nigel sources most of his boards from SurfsUp in Polzeath, taking the school’s end-of-season boards – those that are damaged and beyond repair – in exchange for a donation to the North Cornwall Food Bank. He renovates each board before prepping and starting a new piece.

For some of his canvas work, he upcycles old canvases and frames, bringing them back to life with new artwork. An example of which is ‘The Great Escape’; an artwork showing an orange octopus ‘escaping’ from the canvas and over the frame. This was originally an old print of several ballerinas, bought by his partner Daisy in the 1990s!

When not painting, Nigel likes to relax by kayak fishing off the coast at Port Gaverne and Port Isaac. He lives with Daisy, and their two wire-haired Dachshunds, Rigsby and Doris at their home in Trebarwith.
To see more or for commission enquiries, message Nigel on @kirksyart on Instagram, or give him a call.

Nigel Kirkham
07766 725558
nigelkirkham@hotmail.co.uk
(Instagram) kirksyart