I did a thing and commissioned my very own piece of artwork from a local Cornwall-based resin artist that I’ve been obsessed with for years!
While I wouldn’t class myself as someone who is particularly ‘into art’ (or even very good at home decor / knowing what works well in a space!), I definitely know the feeling of being moved by a piece and when something really resonates with you. And this is what I experienced when I first came across Zee’s resin artwork on Instagram several years ago; I just fell in love with her creations on the spot!
I knew instinctively that I needed one of her pieces in my home at some point in my lifetime, and at the start of 2022 I set myself the goal to save up and JUST DO IT this year. Within a couple of months I found myself reaching out to Zee to commission a piece of my own and here we are!
About Zee
Born in The Netherlands, Zee van Gils has travelled all over the world studying, working, and following her passion for surfing! During her time in Indonesia she worked alongside surfboard shapers and started creating resin-based artworks that captured the beauty of the ocean around her.
She has since exhibited in Australia, had her artworks shipped around the world in over 22 countries, collaborated with surfboard shapers on custom board artworks, and eventually moved to Cornwall where she resides now and creates resin art from her studio.
About the Artwork
Zee has been working with resin for years and has refined her techniques, creating depth with different layers, stunning colour palettes and extra accents that make her pieces look different and unique from all angles. I’ve seen other resin artwork, but none as high quality and mesmerising as hers!
I think what I love most about her pieces are not only the way they remind me of the ocean – coral reefs and aerial shots of Cornish shores – but also the deeper tones looking almost space-like as well. Being from Cornwall, of course the ocean vibes resonate with me, but I’m also fascinated by galaxies, nebulas and the like, so I truly feel I could sit back and look at the artwork for hours, lost in a variety of different worlds.
Working with Zee
As you’ll see from Zee’s website, she creates original resin pieces on a few different format panels/canvases – such as mini and large circles (my faves!), squares, and rectangles. You can contact her to discuss commissioning a piece for you with specific dimensions and colours, or she also regularly releases new original artworks on her website too. The best way to stay up to date is to sign up to her newsletter!
As well as original artworks, Zee also sells limited edition prints, which are a great option if you’re looking for something more affordable or something that can be framed. You can use the code below to get £5 off the prints in her shop!
CORNISHLIFE5
My Custom Piece
After getting in contact with Zee to enquire about commissioning a piece, we discussed the colour palette and sizing and I then sent her a deposit to get started. She is such a lovely, friendly person and she kept me updated over the next few weeks as she worked on my artwork.
She ships all over the world, but because I’m in Cornwall, she delivered it to my house and it was so nice to meet her in person and chat too!
My piece is called ‘A Hidden Gem’ – named by Zee because she follows my adventures on Instagram where I’m always out exploring hidden coves and places in Cornwall. I love the name, and I LOVE this piece! It’s even more beautiful than I’d hoped and seeing it in person took my breath away.
We have hung it in the kitchen above the fireplace (proper photo coming soon as this area of the kitchen is still in the works!) and each day since putting it up I’ve absolutely loved walking into the room and seeing it there. It brightens the space so much and it brings me so much joy to see it throughout the day.
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