Sharon Field

Artist Bio

In 2009, shortly after COP15 in Copenhagen, I resigned from my government employment, which included several years with Australia’s aid program in Africa and the Pacific to pursue a career as a full-time artist. With 20 years of experience as a volunteer firefighter, I have witnessed ecosystems in crisis and have become increasingly concerned about human impacts on the health of our planet’s environment.

Despite a lack of formal training as a visual artist, my passion for botanical art grew in parallel with my deepening interest in environmental issues. Since transitioning to art as my primary career, I have mounted 12 solo exhibitions; and have participated in numerous group exhibitions. Most of my work has strong environmental themes, and it has won awards both in Australia and overseas.

I have been sought after as a speaker on aspects of botanical art, and most recently to discuss my current artwork which addresses the issue of climate change and its impacts on our environment as well as on people. This artwork, called “3000 days ... and counting ...” has just been shown in seven countries to large and small audiences, all keen to engage in the issues surrounding climate change.

I work in graphite and watercolor on paper and vellum. My art themes are primarily botanical, also referencing the environmental partners of the plants.

Artist Statement