Have you ever studied a piece of art and pondered “how” or “why”? Here’s an opportunity to learn straight from the horse’s — ahem, artist’s — mouth, about their inspiration, unique technique and creative background.
At home we have two pets: Barty, a purple fire fish, and Poppy, a yellow clown goby. They swim and play in our small salt water tank amidst a colorful garden of corals, which too are alive. I can endlessly observe the subtle yet active ocean life: the mushroom coral clams up as a clumsy hermit crab waddles by, the leather coral’s polyps pulse and sway in the current, a tube worm peaks its peppermint-colored duster out of its home. Today’s Eye of the Artist is an ode to the quieter, yet equally vibrant, segment of sea life.
Artist: amieplante
I’m very fortunate to be a full-time working artist — creating my own collection and one-of-a-kind work, teaching jewelry classes and designing for other companies. I have a BA and Master’s in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from RISD and University of Massachusetts. I’ve spent most of my life in Rhode Island — the Ocean State — and a few years near Cape Cod, and I now live only a few blocks away from a cove. I have a never-ending fascination with sculptural forms, fluid lines, lacy structures and rippled surfaces that I find in nature, and particularly in the ocean and sea life. I interpret my inspiration into jewelry forms that are part nature, part sculpture.
My Ruffle Ring was inspired by the undulating, swirling forms of coral and jellyfish, as well as ruffles found in flowers and textiles. I was living at the time near a whaling and maritime history museum, which had an incredible collection of carvings made in wood and bone, which inspired me. I choose various tools to drill into and drag across my surfaces — removing material to create swirls, ridges and ruffles in all directions. Some looked like waves, flowers or jagged rocks — each carving took on a personality of its own.
My Seafan Pendant combines the skeletal quality of sea fans with the more uniform curves and edges of scallop sea shells. Since sea life is often fluid and ephemeral, I approached this abstractly, combining and capturing the curves and textures into a permanent, lacy form.
Inspiration photo by Thespis377, Seafan Pendant by amieplante
Artist: elinart
I am a visual artist from the UK and have a BA and MA in Fine Art. I specialise in painting but also love to make textile based jewellery and objects under my designer-maker name, “ELINtm.” I consider myself to have a wonderful life — I love spending every day creating, trying out new ideas and playing with beautiful materials.
When I saw the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef at the Hayward Gallery in London, it completely seized my imagination. I then took up practicing crochet seriously and have drawn inspiration from the many amazing works made by other artists exploring this specific genre of crochet. The coral reef has developed into an extremely potent symbol for me, representing the abundance of nature and creativity, how its infinite beauty and diversity can only be marvelled at. It also reminds me how vital it is to view nature holistically and help to ensure that its treasures are valued and protected.
As an artist, it is important to me to remain connected with the wonder of nature through the childhood pleasures of close observation and making collections. Researching and creating coral inspired work offers endless visual delight and numerous technical challenges — I have learned an enormous amount from attempting to imitate nature.
Inspiration photos by mattk1979 and richard ling, Coral bracelet and Coral soft sculpture by elinart
Artist: karingrow
I am a full-time artist living in a small little beach town in southern California. Aside from painting for myself, I teach drawing and painting to an amazing group of kids and adults on the weekends. I feel so lucky that I’m able to make a living doing what I love.
Being so close to the ocean, you can’t help but be inspired by all the creatures and plant life that live in our tidepools or wash up from the deep blue sea. These two paintings are part of my “Tidepool” series that I painted on birch wood panels with acrylic paint. The background was achieved by washing on a watery layer of paint and allowing the natural grain of the wood to come through. Then, I drew the image freehand with pencil and lastly, painted it in. I wanted to create simple monochromatic illustrations of kelp, coral, urchins and sea horses that could be hung together or individually. The hardest part is deciding which ones I get to keep!
Inspiration photos, Orange Coral and Green Kelp by karingrow
Artist: blueroompottery
I am an eighth generation Greek potter, now living and working between Greece, Minneapolis and New York. My family back in Greece is known for producing some of the Greek master potters whose work can now be found in many museums. The only difference about me is that I am the first woman in my family to become a potter, which I really love for my own reasons — not because I happened to be born into it. I quit my office job many years ago when I discovered that all I could think about was following my family’s heritage. I never regretted it!
I have always loved the sea, and growing up in Greece I spent every summer enjoying it. It has been a major inspiration for my work, and my passion for collecting every little natural treasure I could find led to my sea-themed work starting in 1993. My sea urchins were originally merely decorative, but a few years later I converted
them into bud-vases and/or oil lamps, so that they could be functional as well as pretty. I am still inspired by the color of the Greek sea and glaze them in all the shades of blue one would see there — from dark cobalt to light turquoise to white. I also leave many of them unglazed to reveal the beauty of the vitrified porcelain in its purest form. I love to see people’s reaction to my work, and feel blessed to please them with my creations.
Marietta at her father’s studio
Inspiration photo and Turquoise Porcelain Sea Urchin by blueroompottery
Thanks amieplante, elinart, karingrow and blueroompottery for sharing their artistic perspectives.
Do you take inspiration from the sea? Share in the comments below!
Ocean Related Articles | More Interviews
Artistic Endeavors Series
104 comments
Sign in to add your owncandacejean says:
I love seeing the artist’s connection to their source of inspiration. I am fascinated by life in the ocean and too take inspiration from the sea.. I just need to hurry it up over here and get to all those “ocean life†paintings I’ve been meaning to create for so long now. Beautiful finds and lovely creations!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Gorgeous items!!! Such talent!
2 years ago
Slowshirts says:
gorgeous!
2 years ago
Evajune says:
These ocean pieces are amazing. I am in love with the coral reef bracelet
2 years ago
abacusbeadcreations says:
Great article, beautiful items! How much for the pretty purple and yellow fish? lol
2 years ago
verityunmondoaparte says:
I love the sea and I love seeing items that take inspiration from this ^_^
2 years ago
blueroompottery says:
Thank you so much for the feature! It is a beautiful article, I am honored to have been picked! love, Marietta
2 years ago
loopinloop says:
Great article, thanks once more...
2 years ago
Emmamaha says:
Love the coral soft sculpture by elinart. Amazingly intricate. Beautiful pieces all round from all the featured artists.
2 years ago
BlueDonya says:
I love that our beautiful blue ocean world is inspiring to so many talented artists. As an avid diver and underwater photographer, the deep blue inspires me everyday! Thanks for the great article...
2 years ago
catchalljewelry says:
i love to see where the inspiration for art comes from. all the art is so beautiful!
2 years ago
whphotography says:
Lovely article. I've long loved, and for months now owned, a piece from FrancesPhotography. It looks like liquid and matches perfectly the set of water-inspired creations on this page :)
2 years ago
Ayca says:
Great article! Thanks for sharing :)
2 years ago
Mostlyeclectic says:
I love the whole sea theme, it's an "ocean" of inspiration
2 years ago
ParadiseBodyShop says:
Wow, such incredible work!
2 years ago
paperpyro says:
(nice article) makes me want to skinny dip, hehe...
2 years ago
concentric says:
Oooh, thank you for adding my Sand Dollar holder to your article!
2 years ago
FizzBrushHetty says:
So beautiful! thanks, Fizzbrushhetty
2 years ago
EderaJewelry says:
Wow, what a wonderful article! So interesting to see the inspiration behind these talented artists :)
2 years ago
LiseWinne says:
Nice article! Artists do have their favorite inspirations & this article spells it out wonderfully.
2 years ago
swanmountainsoaps says:
Absolutely incredible! I am just dumbfounded. Well, done. Well done!
2 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
This is a fantastic article! I think many Artists have an amazing connection to Nature...we see the beauty in a grain of sand, the potential in a single seed. Thank you for sharing your inspiration! (LOVING the family connections Marietta...congratulations on pursuing your dream and continuing the legacy!)
2 years ago
TallyLocke says:
LOVE THESE! So amazing!
2 years ago
akcopperraven says:
what an inspiration can come form the water...i absolutely love it all !!
2 years ago
heatherozee says:
All I can say is WOW! oh and I want that first ring at the top of this post.
2 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Yay Amie!! Great to see you here!! Great article!
2 years ago
amieplante says:
Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for letting me share my work. It's fascinating to see how different artists interpret this inspiration through such diverse media and styles. Etsy has an incredible wealth of talent.
2 years ago
LulaMatilda says:
Thanks for the stories of 4 very inspiring women. Beautiful work, all, inspired by their passions!
2 years ago
lv2cr8 says:
Wow, such lovely items.
2 years ago
jamauerer says:
gorgeous! the ocean is so inspiring.
2 years ago
undermyfeet says:
These are some really interesting products. Great ideas!
2 years ago
carlossantiago says:
i love this! excellent story. I hope the ocean does not get so affected by the oil mess. I know, a downer. I have that coral fabric in seafoam color. happy friday!
2 years ago
craftpile says:
beautiful!
2 years ago
cutiepiecompany says:
Just gorgeous! Thank you for this inspiring article!
2 years ago
FavreBijoux says:
Yes, Etsy IS the place to find beautiful unique pieces made by talented artists. Nice picks!
2 years ago
ConservationClothing says:
I love all of your works! Bellissima!!!!
2 years ago
PinupGlasses says:
These artists are amazing! Perfect treasury! love!
2 years ago
KatyScudieri says:
Yay Amie! :)
2 years ago
NicoAndMooMoo says:
so creative! and fantastic photos also WOW
2 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
an excellent article with 3 inspiring and caring artists! thank you! I love the sea life - it's integral to all life on earth and so important to preserve and protect, thanks to these exceptional artists above for helping spread that ethos and love :)
2 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
I meant to write '4 artists' (apologies :)
2 years ago
karingrow says:
I am so thrilled to be included in your "sea" blog post with all these wonderfully talented artists! Karin
2 years ago
sharonschock says:
what great finds, thanks!
2 years ago
barbosaart says:
Great..Thanks!
2 years ago
kissadesign says:
Beautiful!
2 years ago
OceanPatch says:
Oh, I LOVE these beautiful items inspired by the ocean! I also love how you included the inspiration photos and the final work of art inspired by it! Great job!
2 years ago
ShannonAmidon says:
So inspiring and beautiful.
2 years ago
BodaciousBiddies says:
Wow! What amazing pieces! Love the influence being nature!
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Love the organic form and shape. Just gorgeous!!
2 years ago
woolsolution says:
Cool!
2 years ago
NoaSharonDesigns says:
amazing artists! trully love 'em all :) i feel that the sea atmosphere is endless place for inspiration...
2 years ago
fineartstoneware says:
This was a good article, lots of interesting artists and their work.
2 years ago
SpringColors says:
wow. wonderful items and wonderful inspiration
2 years ago
Parachute425 says:
Inspiring stories. Beautiful work.
2 years ago
prettydreamer says:
fantastic article ... thank you so much for sharing!
2 years ago
marbled says:
Gorgeous items!!!
2 years ago
maggiemaevintage says:
coral bracelet...exquisite!
1 year ago
minaN says:
I love your work. Its refreshing to be able to see where you all get your inspiration from. :)
1 year ago
JeansVintageCloset says:
Aquatic life can be hypnotic, the soothing hues of the Ocean and the Care Free swimming creatures that inhabit the Sea Kingdom, Very beautiful art, sculptures
1 year ago
1AEON says:
coral and octopus, you make my dream deeper!
1 year ago
artbooksandcanvases says:
OMG! that crab claws necklace is ah-mazing!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Gorgeous work...thank u for sharing!!!
1 year ago
adrienneaudrey says:
very cool. Great article!
1 year ago
YesterdaysMemories09 says:
So much talent - great article!
1 year ago
TandokunoGurl says:
It's great to see the artists inspiration revealed. This was a one of a kind look at some very beautiful objects.
1 year ago
2treasurehunt says:
Beautiful Work. Very inspiring! Thank You.
1 year ago
GoodGriefGlass says:
Gorgeous, creative work.
1 year ago
meimfree says:
All of the pieces are amazing. Elin, I absolutely LOVE your coral art! Beautiful! I too am inspired by the ocean. I am a dressmaker, and I have, many a time, found myself creating a dress inspired entirely by the ocean..................love it!
1 year ago
rakshniyavintage says:
how wonderful! It's so amazing to see how an inspiration develops into a piece of art - and all the items are so stunning
1 year ago
MissHildebrandt says:
Oh this was meaningful. I'm about to move near the Pacific and I am so excited to see the inspiration. Thank you for the butterflies and the Crab Claws necklace.
1 year ago
blueskyclouds says:
FANTASTIC FEATURE!!!! I just love this...so inspiring and the work is gorgeous. I'm off to explore them in more detail. Thanks so much!!!
1 year ago
pixestreasurechest says:
The natural world, and especially the ocean, is a limitless source of inspiration! Thanks for sharing such talented artists! Elinart's coral bracelet is stunning!
1 year ago
elinart says:
Wonderful feature! An honour to be in the company of such talented Etsians. Thank you for the lovely feedback :))
1 year ago
chanyeevon says:
so inspiring O_o !!! really creative to take something around us and present them through their eyes!
1 year ago
dragonflymystdesigns says:
I love the coral bracelet!! It is so stunning. Great article!!
1 year ago
elementclaystudio says:
of course I LOVE this article!!!!xo
1 year ago
elementclaystudio says:
Love it!!!
1 year ago
Pearlk2 says:
beautiful
1 year ago
redyellowandblueink says:
This is a wonderful post. It is difficult to read this article and not think about what is going on in our waters. My heart is breaking over the tragic events spreading throughout the seas and coastlines of the Gulf. A special etsy shop has been opened to raise funds for this. http://www.etsy.com/shop/HelpTheGulfCoast Thank you to the artists above who find inspiration from our natural world and thank you to the etsy artists who are participating in the HelpTheGulfCoast store to raise funds for this tragedy.
1 year ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Beautiful!!
1 year ago
julessabjewelry says:
The sea floats my heart's desires! Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful sea-finds! I love 'em all.
1 year ago
MysticLily says:
I'm inspired! What a beatiful collection and a great article! Thanks for putting the spotlight on these artists!
1 year ago
wiccked says:
these are all lovely! I think that a few of them may already be in my faves. I would have thought that I had quite a few ocean inspired items, but I only have one - http://www.etsy.com/listing/24097539/ocean-waves-lap-quilt-cot-quilt-wall The others have all sold! I might have to get inspired by the ocean again :)
1 year ago
vikotas says:
coral inspired soft sculpture is breath taking
1 year ago
saintesmariesjewelry says:
Incredible stuff... Its amazing, I can't believe the level of craftsmanship and creativity in this artist... I love it!
1 year ago
sannamae says:
I can relate to the inspirations used in all these pieces. I have a saltwater tank and its my way of having the ocean with me always. The coral and fish are so beautiful and amazing. Its amazing to see how well-made everything is and how realistic it looks. Just like home for me haha :)
1 year ago
davisdesignsau says:
It is so refreshing to see that others also make what they live! The sign of a true artist... living the dream :-)
1 year ago
byhelenga says:
gorgeous, talent!
1 year ago
recycledwares says:
lovely sculptures,forms and textures.
1 year ago
jsgems says:
I have been making things my whole life and have always enjoyed it. I was hurt on the job over five years ago and decided to make rings to sell (in the past I had only done things for friends and family) it has turned out to be one of the most rewarding things I have ever done The chance to make things that people love and cherish to me is just wonderful and overwhelming after a long journey of over 50 years I have found my childhood dream coming true it is good to see others have to
1 year ago
MoMuertos says:
Gorgeous! I spent a lot of time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and anything sea-inspired always catches my eye.
1 year ago
ZZsROCKnRECYCLABLES says:
I love BLUEROOMPOTTERY--------------WOW WOW WOW
1 year ago
poplovedesigns says:
I love this "undersea" theme, makes me want to travel down to Eilat and snorkel with the fishies!! <3 Andrea
1 year ago
SewObsession says:
beautiful love this article just amazing photos/images
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Beautiful I love that ring its fantastic! Great theme, I'm always fascinated by underwater life too and how different it is to our world.
1 year ago
Earthystyle says:
ooooooh I LOVE these!! wonderful *love*
1 year ago
sillylittlesheep says:
lovely! I am very envious of the people who live by the sea. I love it, I love diving and picking sea shells and digging into any rubbish that gets washed onto the beach! Marine biology is my dream (and probably will stay a dream forever), but Id love to get more of the sea into my items!! Beautiful creations, all of them!! :)
1 year ago
TheNightjar says:
what a great article, thanks for introducing us to these interesting artists- i love that they are inspired by the sea-!!
1 year ago
FloweryDeer says:
Love it. :)
1 year ago
LibertyImages says:
Thanks for these profiles! I especially love the paintings and ceramics, but really enjoy reading about everyone's work process and what most inspires them, what they most want to capture and share.
1 year ago
FrancesPhotography says:
Thank you so much for including my Stormy Blue. I just love the coral scuptures by Elin and Marietta's paintings. All gorgeous. Best, Frances.
1 year ago
FrancesPhotography says:
Thank you SO much for including my Stormy Blue photograph. I also love Elin's Sea sculptures and Karin's paintings on birch wood. Best, Frances
1 year ago
LavenderField says:
simply >
1 year ago
artstudio says:
Beautiful items and so much talent - I'm so inspired!
1 year ago