About Jill Wasey

"I have always been captivated by the way light transforms the world—how it softens the landscape at dusk, shimmers on the ocean’s surface, or filters through leaves in the morning. This fascination with light and its emotional impact is at the heart of my paintings.

My connection to the ocean runs deep. I see it as a mirror of our inner world—ever-changing, full of mystery, and brimming with life. Each brushstroke is a conversation between movement and stillness, between realism and imagination. Whether painting a mermaid cradling a sea turtle or the last golden light of day reflecting on water, my goal is to evoke a sense of connection—between you and the natural world, between your own emotions and the story within the painting."

I have always known I was an artist. As a child, I would sit in the car with my parents, gazing at the landscapes outside, instinctively breaking them down into light, color, and form. My dad painted watercolors, and I would watch, fascinated, as the pigments came to life on paper. From my earliest sketches—figures in platform boots with one foot always bigger than the other!—to the paintings I create today, art has always been my way of understanding and connecting with the world.

For many years, I enjoyed painting coastal scenes, but in 2024, something shifted. A trip to Tobago changed everything. Witnessing sea turtles lay their eggs under the moonlight as well as holding a baby turtle in my hands—I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility and purpose. Shortly after, I watched My Octopus Teacher on Netflix, and the message became undeniable: this is what I was meant to do.

Now, my art is a tribute to the ocean’s extraordinary life—from the quiet wisdom of a sea turtle to the drifting elegance of a jellyfish. Using oil and acrylic, I explore the fluidity of water, the shimmer of light filtering through the waves, and the movement of marine creatures as they navigate their ever-changing world. I don’t just paint sea life—I capture the energy, spirit, and quiet stories of the ocean.

While marine life plays a central role in my work, my artistic journey has always been guided by intuition and storytelling. My paintings explore themes of self-awareness, transformation, and our relationship with the natural world. Whether it's a figure painting reflecting inner growth, a coastal scene capturing the beauty of the land meeting the sea, or an underwater world teeming with life, each piece holds a deeper meaning—one that invites the viewer into a moment of connection, reflection, or wonder.

Every brushstroke is a step toward preserving the beauty that inspires me. Having my art contribute to something bigger than myself is what fuels me. That’s why a portion of every sale goes toward ocean conservation efforts, ensuring that these magnificent creatures continue to thrive for generations to come.