My name is Paul Jaarsma, born in Melbourne (Australia) on the 24-09-1957. I had many occupations, before I dare to live as a professional artist. My career started as a merchant navy officer at Shell Tankers. After seven years on the high seas. I switched to a quit different profession: Owner and sport instructor of a fitness centre. I even started a practice in natural health care, hypnotherapist and performance sports instructor. In spite of these divergent activities, the love for the Earth and its occupants continue to inspire me constantly. My amazement and deep feelings for Creation and the essence which makes all things possible, ensured that I desired to live life to the fullest, without the many secure conditionings. I decided to sell all my belongings and travel around the world. It appeared to be a journey by Landrover, straight through the continent of Africa. 35000 km by untouched areas where so-called civilized white people have had no chance to modify it according to their personal wishes. Areas where life in its fullness becomes part of you. There where everything is, what it is. Places where people are part of nature, without forcing life to adjust to personal winnings at all cost.
I realised that respect is the foundation of the people who live in harmony with nature. The notion that one cannot exist without the other. It is neither head nor tail, but a complete integration of both sides. Already nature shows that in all her splendour.
It is my wish to express this notion and share it with others. The images which come from my hand, are in essence timeless, but maybe soon history. Hence that all my paintings fall under the topic: 'World Heritage Collection'. It is the tale of our heritage. I express the wish that all may be inspired by the spontaneous nature of life and enjoy its pure expression.
