My creative journey
Welcome to my world, nestled in the vibrant heart of Totnes, South Devon – a place that pulsates with creativity and inspires me every day with its natural allure.
For over a decade, I’ve immersed myself in the world of wildlife art, compelled by the alarming decline of species on our planet. My journey began unexpectedly. Sparked by the captivating gaze of a family cat, I created a metre square canvas focusing on the eyes, that was entered for an artists’ group show entitled “Green”. From that moment, my focus sharpened, leading to the creation of my inaugural series, “Windows of the Soul,” which intimately explored the mesmerising eyes of various wildlife. The research for this project, provided me with a profound insight into the challenges facing many of our planet’s most iconic species in their ongoing struggle to survive in the wild. Up to that point, I simply had no idea, and I was determined to make some kind of positive impact to help.
Drawing from my background in design and advertising, I infuse my art with a bold graphic style designed to captivate awareness and convey a powerful message. Each brushstroke carries a plea: “We, the subjects, need your attention and help… urgently!” Beyond aesthetics, my paintings serve as a conduit for conservation efforts worldwide. A significant portion of my sales goes directly to support wildlife organisations. For example, proceeds from my koala painting benefitted the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in the wake of the devastating wildfires of 2019. Nearer to home, a donation from the sale of my hedgehog painting, contributed to the wonderful work of ‘Prickles in a Pickle”, and half of the sales of my work featured at Wildlife Artist of the Year have gone to support the amazing efforts of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. These are just a few of the initiatives I have supported. There are many more.
Whether it’s donating proceeds from sales or contributing entire artworks, my goal remains constant: to empower collectors to not only cherish their investment but also to feel their purchase has made a small but important contribution in preserving our planet’s precious biodiversity.
I favour water-mixable oil paints, avoiding the use of harmful solvents, and for several years, I taught how to paint wildlife in Mauritius. I am an invited judge of the Samudra Art Prize in Mauritius and I am a short course teacher at the prestigious West Dean College, near Chichester, UK. For the past seven years I have been a finalist of the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year, achieving “Highly Commended” in 2023.
Join me on this journey of art and advocacy. Connect with me via social media @nayartist or through this website to become part of the journey or to discuss a bespoke commission. Let’s make a difference together, one brushstroke at a time.
Please get in touch if you’re interested in any of my pieces or have any questions about me or my work.
