Aimee Willcock's Secret Cornwall
Aimee grew up in Nottinghamshire and earned a BA in Fine Art from Loughborough University School of Art and Design, often traveling to Cornwall to gain inspiration for her practice. After graduating Aimee moved to Cornwall where she now lives and works, using the changing Cornish coastline and landscape to inform her paintings.
We asked Aimee to share her favourite Cornish places and experiences.
What's your favourite part of Cornwall?
Anywhere on the Helford! I love to go for walks along the Helford estuary and explore all of the little beaches and coves. It combines my two favourite things, woodland and the coast - you can’t beat it!
Favourite place to go for a walk?
As well as walking along the Helford Estuary, one of my favourite places to go for a walk is the Trelowarren estate, we had our wedding reception at the New Yard Restaurant and it holds lovely memories.
Where do you go to get away from it all?
A forest walk at Cardinham woods for me really allows you to reset the senses and go back to what’s important.
Favourite beach?
I have lots of favourite beaches depending on what you’re going for! At the moment it’s Poldhu for their famous hot chocolates, a must have in the autumn.
Favourite place to camp?
Camping on the Lizard is my favourite, there’s a lovely little campsite call Henry’s thats a favourite of all the locals. There’s amazing views, walks and villages for a great weekend away.
For you as an artist, where is the most inspiring place in Cornwall?
Recently the most inspiring place for me has been Vault Beach, the colours are all so muted and the sand is almost silver. It’s such a calming place to sit and watch the tide.
Favourite view?
A dramatic and awe-inspiring view is looking down upon Kynance cove. It can get quite popular in the summer but my favourite time to go is autumn and winter when it’s overcast and even a little rainy!
Favourite part of the coastline to paint?
It has to be the coastline around Sennen and Lands end, the crispness of the horizon in spring and colours of the ocean are almost Mediterranean. For an overcast day I also love Cape Cornwall, the skies and sea can be so dramatic and atmospheric.
Best spot for a picnic and what would you take to eat?
Grebe beach is my favourite spot for a picnic, great for the family, paddling in the ocean and not far too carry all the picnic gear! We like to take a portable barbecue and cook some halloumi, veggie burgers and veg.
Favourite cafe?
My favourite cafe is Slice of Cornwall in Falmouth, their brunch menu is to die for and one of my favourite weekend pastimes is a long brunch and coffee at Slice. They also do amazing cake and dogs are welcome!
Favourite place to go for a celebration night out?
Falmouth is lovely for a celebratory night out, some great independent places to eat and little bars for a get together!
Where would you take a visitor to Cornwall?
All over! But I love to take family and friends that are visiting to the Eden project followed by a nearby beach visit for the day.
How would you spend an ideal day?
My ideal day is a nice long coastal walk, with a stop off for lunch somewhere, followed by a splash in the sea with my little boy. If we can get in a cake and coffee in the afternoon, even better!
You can see all of Aimee's collection for the Byre Gallery here