OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF BIRTE HOSKEN
A BIT ABOUT ME
Birte Hosken would describe herself as an “accidental artist”. Having written two romantic novels set in Cornwall, she put her mind to the draft for a third book when Covid came – plenty of time for writing? Not for Birte. Deprived of her main hobby, tennis, but allowed to go out and enjoy the amazing countryside and beaches around her home in Carbis Bay, she wandered along the coastline, picking up bits and pieces that the ocean spat out at her feet. She soon began using these materials for her colourful creations.
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Starting off with simple driftwood candleholders and decorating mirrors and lamps, Birte’s love for wood led to wall hangings of different shapes and sizes. Using mainly reclaimed wood she now makes interesting mosaic-like pictures. “They look brilliant on plain walls,” says Birte. Many pieces have been sold locally and further afield. “I am always happy to donate artwork to good causes and I am prepared to take commissions if anyone is looking to fill a special space at the home or office.”
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Each and every piece of art is totally unique. Birte points out that she keeps her materials as natural as possible, being mindful not to engineer anything. “It is quite shocking to find so much plastic on our shores. It may be exciting for me and my art but it is a stark reminder that our seas are in trouble,” she says. “Hopefully, my work goes a little way to raising awareness. Yes, the pieces are fun to look at but there is definitely a deeper meaning to them.”
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Occasionally she will use oil or acrylic paints to enhance pieces so that they fit into a certain colour-scheme. Birte has also used her woods for simple paintings. Most of these pictures have a coastal theme. At her sales outlet at a Community Farm Shop in Southampton, Hampshire she also offers painted tiles and other smaller items for anyone looking for a nautical Cornish-made gift.
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In November 2024 Birte had her first solo exhibition near her home in Carbis Bay. “Get the Drift”, just in time for Christmas, resulted in good sales and several commissions.
MY ARTWORK
MY DRIFTWOOD ART
During lockdown Birte found and collected wood, glass and plastic on local beaches in West Cornwall. The materials were used to create beautiful and totally unique pieces of artwork. When space ran out at home Birte put some of her art up for sale. Several pieces can be purchased direct from the artist. Please use the contact form for enquiries.
BUY MY ART
Drift and Reclaimed Wood Art
Here are just a few examples of the items I produce. I specialise in wall art but I also make candle holders, decorate lamps and mirrors, paint (oil) and build sculptures. All materials are left as found. They are washed and sanded but never engineered. All prices are negotiable.
WINE CORK NOTICE BOARD
Price: £10
​Fun wine cork notice board with driftwood, can be fixed to wall with Command strips or D-ring (will be supplied)
MINI HEARTS - LOVE GODREVY
Price: £5-£7
Acrylic on natural slate, size 7 cm. Signed by artist. Currently out of stock but more can be made to order. Please contact artist for image.
LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE
Price: £4
Upcycling project, started life as a lid
SLIM JIM
Price: £7
Stunning piece of wall art - SALE. Looks splendid on plain walls. Made for slim spaces.
Price: £7-10 (depending on size)
Totally unique driftwood candleholder, glass and 1 x tealight included. PLEASE NOTE DESIGNS CAN VARY.
CANDLEHOLDER
BEACH TILE - SALE
Price: £3
Cute little gift in the sale - painted tile, last one, about 9 cm diameter. For wall hanging only
CORNISH COLOURS
Price: £7
Unusual painted driftwood in Cornish colours
THE ORANGERY
Price: £10 NEW PRICE
Natural driftwood board, size 60 x 8 x 3 cm, wall fixing with D-ring
YOU DO THE MATHS!
Price: £10
Size 14.5 x 27x 2 cm, reclaimed wood with natural hole for hanging, signed by artist, all items found on local beaches, fun and colourful
MY BLOG
MY BOOKS
LET WILD WAVES ROAR
Published in 2019
Car sales executive Robert Cunningham is suffering a midlife crisis. With his marriage on the rocks, he hopes that a new position in Devon will help to solve his problems, however an unexpected inheritance throws his existence into turmoil until he makes a life-changing decision...
PETROC'S CHURCH
Published in 2016
To get away from her busy life in London, Jen decides to spend her summer in Cornwall by the beach, working as an attendant in the car park owned by her grandfather. With new neighbours on the scene, Jen can't help but notice the good looking men next door. Unable to control her curiosity, Jen finds herself obsessed with Lance and will do anything to meet him. After attending a gig, she discovers that she may have a chance, through his best friend, Petroc Hayman, the lead singer of the rock band Monopoly. During an unlikely encounter, Jen finds out more than she bargained for and has to keep Petroc's secret to herself.
BUY MY BOOKS
Let Wild Waves Roar is available to buy on Amazon now.
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Petroc's Church is currently not available to purchase.
