Postcards from Cornwall

A series of mixed media works created jointly by Sharon Bruster and Sarah Pooley.

Our collaboration began early in 2023. Artist friends, inspired by the Cornish coastline, we take inspiration from beach walks, rockpooling and gathering. 

Each of us has her individual creative practice. There is a shared love of colour and expressive mark making – in paint or ink, stitch or print. A fascination with surface, and close-up details of colour, shape, line and texture are evident in both our work.

This collaborative work starts with observation – beach walks, photography, sketching, gathering, writing all play their part. Each of us begins several pieces of work, on canvas, fabric or paper and sends them to the other to respond to. The response, in stitch or paint, collage or print adds to, alters or takes away from the previous layers of work. Pieces travel back and forth between our two studios with no rush towards completion. Work is deconstructed and reconstructed in new assemblages. The images are allowed to emerge in their own good time.

The resulting works, whilst clearly referencing each of us are also something new. They are the sum of shared inspirations, memories and experiences, different creative practices and tell a story of friendship, collaboration and connection with our coastal landscape.