Carina Sim-Smith – Down by the Sea

Saturday 19th July – Thursday 7th August

Ogle Gallery

“I have always been drawn to the sea. As a young child I spent hours fossicking around rock pools and chasing tiny fish with my hand net. Later, my family embarked on a voyage of the South Pacific in our yacht, and we spent our days snorkelling over coral reefs and collecting seashells. This led me to a career in Marine Biology, where I spend most of my days wading around in the mud, diving in murky waters, and trying to reduce the environmental impact that we humans have on the marine environment.

Nearly all of my paintings reflect my deep connection to the sea and the joy it brings me. My seascapes traverse the length of this country from Northland to the remote regions of Fiordland. I hope you enjoy them!”

Carina Sim-Smith is an Auckland-based artist who captures the breathtaking landscapes of Aotearoa in oil and acrylic. Her paintings are inspired by the places she has explored—particularly the views revealed at the end of a rewarding hike. Her work invites the viewer to experience that awe-inspiring moment when the effort of the climb is met with an expansive, light-filled vista.

With a background as a marine biologist, Carina has spent much of her life immersed in the natural world, deepening her connection to the land and sea. Her paintings reflect this intimate relationship with nature, celebrating New Zealand’s unique terrain and its role as a place of retreat and renewal. She is particularly drawn to capturing dynamic compositions that lead the eye into the distance, as well as the shifting effects of light on the landscape.

Carina has honed her technique through years of self-teaching and masterclasses with established New Zealand painters. Her contemporary realist style balances detail with atmosphere, evoking both the grandeur and tranquility of the wilderness.

Her work is available as original paintings and limited-edition prints. She also welcomes commissions, working closely with collectors to bring their own special landscapes to life.

Key Dates

Preview Evening: Friday 18th July, 5 – 7pm
Artist Demonstration: Saturday 19th July, 12.30 – 2pm