`It's so special being alone in a wild, isolated place ARTIST HANNAH WOODMAN
Country Homes & Interiors|April 2020
Creativity runs in the family for Cornwall-based fine artist Hannah Woodman.
`It's so special being alone in a wild, isolated place ARTIST HANNAH WOODMAN

’I grew up around an appreciation of both traditional crafts and fine art,’ she says. ’My mother studied set design, and although my father had an engineering background, he loved art, too, and was always collecting unusual pieces. I think when you’re surrounded by creativity from a young age, it sort of seeps into you.’

Growing up near Dartington in Devon, Hannah cannot recall a time when she wasn’t trying to capture what she observed around her on paper. But while she received huge encouragement from her family, her traditional schooling didn’t support such artistic ambitions. ‘There was the age-old concern that trying to earn a living as an artist wouldn’t be sustainable,’ she says. She therefore took a degree in History of Art, then went on to study at the renowned Courtauld Institute of Art, before becoming a teacher, then a lecturer in schools, museums and galleries. Family life took over in her twenties (her three daughters, Ellie, Rosa and Lara, are now 24, 22 and 19), but her compulsion to paint remained constant, even in the midst of busy family life. ‘It was my way of keeping a connection with art, and I couldn’t have been without it.’

At the time the family was living in London, but in 2003, Hannah and her former husband made the big decision to move to Truro in Cornwall. Some years previously, they’d purchased a very remote cottage at Gwithian on the west coast and this eventually became Hannah’s studio. ‘Whenever I could, I would drive out there to work. I loved the solitude and felt able to immerse myself in the extraordinary natural surroundings.’

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORSView All
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
Country Homes & Interiors

Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance

The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Cabin fever
Country Homes & Interiors

Cabin fever

Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
'Building boats has become my passion'
Country Homes & Interiors

'Building boats has become my passion'

Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Cover-up job
Country Homes & Interiors

Cover-up job

Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Flights of fancy
Country Homes & Interiors

Flights of fancy

Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
TRUE BLUE
Country Homes & Interiors

TRUE BLUE

A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Country Homes & Interiors

COUNTER INTELLIGENCE

Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
Country Homes & Interiors

A GARDEN GLOW-UP

As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
TRÈS BELLE
Country Homes & Interiors

TRÈS BELLE

Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
HOME AT LAST
Country Homes & Interiors

HOME AT LAST

Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024