Artist Bio
Originating from the Midlands of England, finding my new home in Western Australia as a child. My earliest memories of my new life in Australia are of the magpie’s warbling from the trees at Melville Primary School at age six whilst my year one teacher would read Australian stories with a thick accent, tales of kangaroos and possums, all so new and exciting to this pommy kid.
After studying tertiary photography for three years after high school, I spent much of my early photography career during my twenties chasing the surf, taking photographs for some for the world’s leading surf focused media. A coastal life, far removed from my family home in Perth’s hills where my parents had settled on a small property in Mundaring. A place where I was unaware of what lie right under my nose, in front of my lens, in between waves.
At age 45, whilst homeschooling my son, spending time wandering in national parks, I realised the beauty away from the coast and the creatures of the West Australian bush, the camera always by my side. My wildlife photography career came to be.
My images focus on the endangered species that inspire me, numbat, black cockatoo to name a few, my ultimate goal to expose the masses to a side of Western Australia many aren’t aware of, a place of incredible beauty and diversity. A land, an ecosystem on a knife edge with many species facing population decline and extinction. A side of Western Australia that I was unaware of for so long.
I seek a connection with my subject, capture in my images their vulnerability, photographing from their eye level where I can. My style is that of an artist who’s brush is the lens. My step is light, I capture my images thoughtfully and ethically as to minimise impact on my subject. I carry with me a deep respect for the land and its people that have allowed me to call Western Australia my home.
Paul Jarvis – Photographic Artist.