Welcome to Quirky Drift Art—a venture that’s evolved through years of creativity, coastal inspiration, and of course a touch of Quirkiness!! It all began with my desire to frame my photographic prints. Precision carpentry wasn’t my strength, and my frames often ended up a bit “wibbly-wobbly” rather than perfectly square. Instead of abandoning the idea, I decided to lean into this quirky, imperfect style!
Living by the sea meant I had access to plenty of driftwood, and I’d often comb the local beaches with my Golden Retriever, Keisha. She was as much a fan of sticks as I am of driftwood, and we could sometimes be seen having “domestics” over particularly nice pieces!
Experimenting over time, I started laminating prints onto flat pieces of MDF and framing them with driftwood that I shaped and pieced together. As my methods improved, I began sharing my creations—and before long, others started to love them too. And so, Quirky Drift Art was born!
Driftwood Painting In A field At Sunset
Penberth Cove Cornwall. There is nothing more relaxing on a summer evening than sitting in a Cornish field by my home on wheels, watching the sun dip into the sea and paint the sky in pink and orange hues.
It’s the perfect time to feel inspired, capturing a scene from a special place I visited earlier that day and giving a piece of old driftwood I found there a new lease on life with a touch of creativity!
‘Quircus’
A Van With a Purpose: From Garden Landscape to Mobile Art Studio
In 2020, during the height of the COVID lockdown, I bought a 2006 Ford Transit van that had previously been used as a garden landscaper’s workhorse.
At the time, my budget was tighter than expected due to the uncertain circumstances, so I had to adjust my plans. Instead of purchasing a newer model, I embraced the opportunity to transform an older van into something completely unique. This van would not just serve as a vehicle—it would become a living, breathing canvas for my art and my dreams.
Building on a Budget: Salvaged Materials and Creative Solutions
The conversion process was a labor of love, done largely with salvaged wood, driftwood, and other repurposed materials. My goal was to show that with a bit of creativity, you could build a beautiful, functional camper even on a tight budget. Every piece was carefully selected and crafted to fit into a design that felt both cozy and practical. By using reclaimed materials, I not only saved money but also gave new life to things that might otherwise have been discarded.
A Unique Space: Bringing Art and Function Together
What sets this van apart is its creative, artistic vibe. Every corner is filled with my own artwork and creative touches, making it truly one of a kind. With the money I saved during the build, I was able to invest in high-quality components like windows, a fridge, a heater, and solar electric fittings—ensuring that the van would be as functional as it is beautiful.
The result is a space where my art can thrive, and where I can take my craft market stall across the country, all while living and traveling in a van that’s as unique as my creations.