Purposeful Art with Jaimee Paul
New Zealand born, Sydney-based artist Jaimee Paul portrays nature’s beauty through strikingly realistic watercolour animal portraits – her upcoming solo exhibition, SAWUBONA, at Ditty Wheels gallery in Sydney, will showcase a collection that aims to foster conversation of environmental care, and custodianship.
Words: Cardia Speziale I Photography: Hande Renshaw
Jaimee Paul in her Sydney studio. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘My passion for animals, the ocean, and the natural environment stems from a lifelong commitment to preserving the beauty and diversity of our planet,’ says Jaimee Paul. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘I believe that as an artist, I have the responsibility and the power to raise awareness and inspire change. By integrating these elements into my work, I aim to create a dialogue and encourage others to join in the effort to protect our planet's irreplaceable treasures.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘Combining art with my passion for environmental and animal activism is deeply fulfilling. Every day, I have the opportunity to express myself creatively while making a statement about issues that are close to my heart.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
Photo: Hande Renshaw
Having grown up in the southern end of New Zealand surrounded by animals and vast natural landscape, Jaimee Paul was encouraged to foster her inner artist from a young age by her mother and grandmothers, who were also artists. Jaimee’s creative focus explores the world around her through a lens of advocacy, with the aim to ignite important conversations around conservation and environmental stewardship.
‘I grew up in a place where there were often more animals than humans and was always encouraged to make my own fun,’ says Jaimee. ‘I remember my mother covering our carpet with newspaper and letting me run loose with big jars of paint; as much as I begged, she never let me have colouring books, insisting that I could draw my own first.”’
Reflecting on a time in her life when she began to understand art as a form of expression, Jaimee recalls the experience of painting as a tool for healing and feeling through grief. ‘It didn’t really hit home for me, how healing art is, until I lost my dad to cancer in 2017,’ shares Jaimee. ‘The body of work I created for an exhibition around that time became one that honoured my childhood and the passion we shared for animals — painting through grief was what got me through those first few months,’ she adds.
Fuelled by the possibility of planting a seed that might inspire advocacy for animal welfare and conversation, Jaimee believes in the power of art to break through the noise and overwhelm, simply by making space in our minds to connect with the subject.
‘My passion for animals, the ocean, and the natural environment stems from a lifelong commitment to preserving the beauty and diversity of our planet,’ she says. ‘These themes are not just subjects in my art; they are a call to action and a reminder of the fragile balance we share with nature.’
Jaimee’s process is both methodical and intuitive, beginning with a moment of connection with an animal or a photo that moves her. The initial phase of sketching plays with compositions and shapes, and is followed by the evolution of the final work, which can take days or even months depending on the subject and level of detail. ‘The process is not about the final piece, but about the journey of adventuring and discovering new places or interactions with animals,’ muses Jaimee.
From November 22 – December 9, Jaimee will be exhibiting her work at Ditty Wheels gallery in Sydney; showcasing a collection that aims to foster conversation of environmental care, and custodianship. The exhibition is titled SAWUBONA — a word used as a common greeting in the Zulu tribe, translating to ‘I see you, you are important to me and I value you.’
Jaimee is also the founder of NinetyFive Percent, an Art for Oceans Charity exhibition, as well as the co-founder of Sydney Road Gallery and La Crème Creative Inc., a not-for-profit creative co-working space located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Ditty Wheels
50 French Road,
Willoughby, NSW
Opening night:
Wednesday November 22, 6pm
Exhibition dates:
Wednesday, November 22 – Saturday, December 9
A piece from Jaimee Paul’s upcoming solo exhibition at Ditty Wheels gallery in Sydney. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘As an artist, the best lesson I’ve learned along the way is that you can’t do it alone and you can’t do it all.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘Visiting Africa left an incredible mark on me; the raw beauty of the landscapes, the diverse wildlife and the people who have committed their lives to protecting it, not only fuel my creativity, but also reinforce my commitment to environmental and wildlife conservation.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
Photo: Hande Renshaw
“My creativity is fuelled by a deep connection with nature and its beings – I have a profound respect for the environment.”
Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘Artists aren’t skilled in every facet of running a business — no one really is — however, in my experience, most of us think we should be able to just do it all on our own. I’m slowly learning that you can’t do it alone and you can’t do it all; like my artwork, it’s a work in progress.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘My passion for animals, the ocean, and the natural environment stems from a lifelong commitment to preserving the beauty and diversity of our planet.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw