Oenone Hammersley is an artist whose work is deeply connected to the natural world. Recognized for her rainforest and wildlife paintings, Hammersley’s art reflects a lifelong fascination with nature, landscapes, and wildlife. Her pieces evoke a sense of wonder while addressing the pressing environmental issues of our time, blending realism with abstract forms to express the fragility of the world we live in.
Hammersley has been exhibiting her work since 1980, with shows in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Australia. Her artistic journey has taken her across the globe, and these experiences are reflected in her wide range of subjects and techniques. For three years, she lived in Tanzania, where she immersed herself in the landscape and wildlife of Africa, creating vivid depictions of the region’s rich fauna. Her deep connection to nature is a consistent theme, and the African wildlife paintings from this period are a testament to her observational skills and her ability to capture the essence of the animals in their natural habitats.
In Greece, her artistic focus shifted towards mythological figures, and she began incorporating them into her work, illustrating the timeless stories through oil on canvas and watercolors. The vibrant energy of Greek mythology complemented her style, and her use of color and form became even more pronounced.
Hammersley’s travels continued to influence her art as she spent two years living in Australia. She traveled to Papua New Guinea to paint the birds of paradise, a project that led to an exhibition dedicated to the birds and frogs of Australia and Papua New Guinea. These works are a celebration of biodiversity and serve as a reminder of the beauty and importance of preserving these creatures and their ecosystems. The delicate balance between realism and abstraction in her wildlife paintings allows viewers to appreciate the intricate details of the animals while also engaging with the broader themes of conservation.
After returning to the U.S. in 2008, Hammersley’s style evolved. She began working on a collection of semi-abstract oils on canvas, which earned her awards in Washington D.C. and Florida. These pieces retain the intense color and vibrancy of her earlier works, but the focus has shifted. Her semi-abstract paintings blur the line between realism and abstraction, often beginning with realistic foregrounds that gradually dissolve into abstract backgrounds. This technique allows her to explore themes related to nature in a more symbolic way, inviting viewers to consider the deeper meanings behind her work.
In recent years, Hammersley has focused on natural resources, with a particular interest in water and trees. Her paintings often reveal patterns created by tree root structures or the light reflecting on water, highlighting the intricate connections between these natural elements. Through her art, she emphasizes the fragility of these ecosystems, urging viewers to appreciate and protect the natural world before it’s too late. Her use of color and light is particularly effective in conveying the beauty of these environments, while also suggesting their vulnerability in the face of human interference.
One of Hammersley’s most recent works, “Mariana Ring of Fire,” is a 60″ x 36″ painting that focuses on underwater volcanoes, or seamounts, in the Pacific Ocean. This series of paintings reflects her fascination with the idea of fire and water coexisting, two opposing forces that are forced to share the same space. The volcano shapes are created using spackling, which gives the painting a textured, almost three-dimensional quality. The swirling movement of fire and sea is brought to life with paint, and the final piece is finished with a layer of resin that adds a lustrous, watery effect, enhancing the illusion of the ocean. The resin finish adds a sense of depth, making it feel as though the viewer is looking into the depths of the sea itself. This painting will be exhibited at the Art Miami Context Art Fair in December 2024, showcasing Hammersley’s continued exploration of the relationship between nature and the forces that shape it.
Throughout her career, Hammersley has remained committed to conservation, using her art to raise awareness about environmental issues. Her work with organizations like the World Land Trust and Fauna and Flora International reflects her belief in the power of art to inspire change. She wants her paintings to do more than just capture beauty—they are meant to remind us of the rare and raw beauty of the wilderness and to provoke thought about the ways in which humans alter the natural world.
Hammersley’s art is a blend of passion for the natural world, vivid color, and thoughtful abstraction. Her ability to use light and color to highlight the delicate balance of nature makes her work thought-provoking. Whether painting the birds of paradise in Papua New Guinea or abstracted tree roots in her recent works, Hammersley continues to challenge viewers to look more closely at the world around them and to consider the impact of human activity on the environment. In a time of increasing environmental threats, her art serves as both a celebration of nature and a call to action.
