Jocelyn Friis is a New Zealand-based painter creating semi-abstract land and seascapes from her coastal studio in Mangawhai. Working with acrylic and encaustic, she explores the interplay between nature’s resilience and vulnerability, and our dependence on it.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Jocelyn’s early connection with nature and a Steiner education nurtured her creative path. Since immigrating to New Zealand in 1996, she has deepened her practice through eco and process art, exploring the link between creativity, wellbeing, and the environment.

A four time award-winning artist, Jocelyn has exhibited widely across New Zealand, including the Auckland Art Show and the NZ Fine Arts association of Fine Arts, and more recently in the UK through the ArtCan organization.

She has been shortlisted for juried exhibitions such as the National Tasman Art Awards, Cleveland National Art Awards and the Estuary Art and Ecology Awards. A recipient of a Creative NZ grant, she is also an alumni of Nicholas Wilton’s Creative Visionary Programme and a certified facilitator of Art & Creativity for Healing workshops, both locally and online.

Statement

My semi-abstract landscape paintings are driven from a desire to explore the connection between creativity, nature and wellbeing. Rather than referencing a particular view or scene, they emerge from a deep place in my imagination.

I use acrylic and encaustic mediums, which facilitate my free flowing style. Acrylics suit my spontaneous way of painting, while I embrace the ancient integrity of working with hot wax. Beginning with loose, unplanned, uninhibited marks and colours, I allow pure intuition and emotion to guide the process. This organic phase is deeply inspired by time spent in nature, where I absorb the energy of my surroundings and subconsciously transfer those emotions onto the canvas. As the piece develops, a shift occurs from raw expression to thoughtful refinement, where I assess elements like composition, balance, values, and color relationships, and work to bring the painting into a harmonious conclusion. My approach embraces both instinct and structure, trusting the creative flow while thoughtfully guiding the piece to completion, inviting viewers to feel the emotional depth and natural inspiration woven into every layer.

 My art is a gentle nudge to pause a while, and to reflect on how we can bring peace, hope and contentment to our lives. I strongly believe in the healing power of art – for both the artist and the viewer. Art can express what words often cannot, opening space for connection, reflection, and personal growth. On contemplating my paintings a personal connection is often recognized, whether it’s a memory, an emotion, or a resonating message, drawing attention to metaphors that mirror the complexities of the human experience. Through my work, I share the message that art is for everyone and that engaging with both creativity and nature can foster peace and harmony.

*Please Note: The artwork displayed on this page is an example of this artists portfolio in the OBV Gallery.