Free Spirits: Wisdom from the Wild

I have long loved animals and drawn inspiration from their wild beauty and free spirit. Whether it’s the quiet companionship of pets at home or the thrill of encountering wildlife while travelling, animals bring an entirely new dimension to life. They ground us, surprise us, and remind us that we share this world with other beings whose lives are as rich and complex as our own.



One of the most unforgettable chapters of my life has been exploring the African savannah on safari. It is an unparalleled experience—one that brings you face to face with animals in their natural habitat, untamed and magnificent. There, I saw what is known as the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. The term was originally coined by big-game hunters to describe the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot, but today it has been reclaimed by conservationists, safari guides, and wildlife lovers as a celebration of Africa’s most iconic species.

To witness these majestic creatures roaming freely across vast golden plains is awe-inspiring and deeply humbling. A lion resting beneath an acacia tree. An elephant moving silently through tall grass. A leopard draped elegantly over a branch—or, in our case, slipping quietly past our jeep at dusk like a spotted shadow. A blink-or-you'll-miss-it moment that left me captivated. These are the kinds of memories that stay with you long after you return home.




Yet a safari is never only about the Big Five. We encountered herds of antelope and zebra moving in rhythmic unison, laughing hyenas calling through the evening air, hippos submerged in muddy rivers with only watchful eyes visible above the surface. There were curious monkeys, circling vultures, warthogs trotting determinedly through scrubland, ancient tortoises, sunbathing lizards, and even a lone jackal silhouetted against the horizon. Each animal, no matter how small, carried its own presence and personality. Seeing them in their natural environment stirred something deep within me. I found myself sketching constantly, wanting to capture their movement and spirit—later translating those drawings into prints on homewares, bringing a touch of the wild into everyday living spaces.



My love of animals began long before my travels. On my fourth birthday, I appeared on the front page of our local newspaper, cradling a baby lamb born that very same day. It was a simple story, but it remains one of my earliest memories of feeling an intense connection to another living creature. Not long after, I opened a giant box on Christmas Day to find a gorgeous little tabby kitten inside, who would go on to share our lives for 21 years. Our family home throughout my childhood overflowed with animal love—so much so that we even had our own pet cemetery. Each small grave marked not just a loss, but a life deeply cherished and remembered.


Now, in our new home in New Zealand, I have the joy of passing that love on to my own children as we build our own “fur family.” The bond we share with animals offers deep companionship, emotional comfort, and a unique form of unconditional love. They teach responsibility, empathy, and presence in a way that little else can. Loving animals is a profound and often life-affirming connection—an appreciation of their innocence, loyalty, and quiet wisdom. In many ways, they serve as a bridge back to nature, reminding us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.


My connection to wildlife also extends beneath the surface of the sea. I have swum with marine life on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, in Uluwatu in Bali, and in the Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve in Kenya. Entering the underwater world feels like stepping onto another planet. Everything moves with extraordinary grace—turtles gliding effortlessly, shoals of fish shimmering in unison, starfish clinging to coral, delicate sea creatures drifting with the current. Time seems to slow beneath the waves, and the noise of the world above disappears.

One of my paintings, The Fifth Day of Creation from my 2024 New Earth exhibition, was born from these experiences. In it, a turtle, dolphins, and jellyfish move in harmony with the ocean’s rhythm. The piece captures not only marine life, but the sense of flow, wonder, and quiet reverence I feel underwater. It remains one of my most treasured works and now hangs at home—a daily reminder of that otherworldly calm.


Animal companions awaken something within us. They soften us, teach us patience, and reconnect us with the natural world. That is why I continue to paint and draw them—they are not simply subjects, but muses.

I am currently working on a new collection inspired by native New Zealand birds, following many requests from visitors to my shop: Ilka Boutique. Fantail cushions and tūī aprons are on the way! It may take a little time, but by spring I hope to have the shelves brimming with new pieces celebrating the extraordinary wildlife of Aotearoa. This collection reflects my enduring love for animals and the wild environments in which they live—an ongoing tribute to the beauty, freedom, and soul of the natural world.

Please share your animal stories and inspirations in the comments, I'd love to read them!



All photos copyright ©Abbey Mae