Paulina Barry

I'm currently based at the end of the world in Aotearoa New Zealand. My aim is to provide high-quality, scientifically accurate, and visually captivating artwork that brings nature into focus. As a freelance natural history artist based in New Zealand, I aim to work with educational institutions, museums, conservation organizations, wildlife agencies, consultancies, and other clients to create murals, illustrations, and interpretive resources that educate, inspire, and raise awareness about ecosystems and wildlife.

Creative Science Communicator

Master of Science Communication with Distinction | University of Otago | 2024

Dunedin, NZ

Thesis Titled: Picturing Extinction: Art, Science, and Cultural Memory

Bachelor of Arts and Science | Western Washington University | 2018

Bellingham Washington, USA

Emphasis in Ecology | Concentration in Behavioural Anthro-zoology

Educational Resources: Custom illustrations and infographics for publications, websites, and exhibitions.
Interpretive Signs: Designs for nature trails, parks, gardens and zoos, and tourist attractions that combine informative text with artistic depictions.
Murals: Large-scale artwork for educational institutions, nature reserves, community centers, and corporate spaces.
Illustrations: Highly detailed and realistic illustrations of animals, plants, and ecosystems, primarily for websites, books, social media, educational materials, and exhibitions.
Wildlife & Animal Portraits: Personalized painted portrait commissions of endangered or iconic species for individuals or institutions.
Paleo-Art: Artwork depicting prehistoric life, particularly for museums, documentaries, and educational use.

Otago Daily Times

May 2025----------

May 2024----------

March 2023--------

Nov 2023-----------

Cosmos

Nov 2023-----------

Sci News

Nov 2023-----------

Otago Daily Times

Nov 2023-----------

Stuff

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RNZ

Nov 2023-----------

Graduation marks double success

It’s a wrap

Painting a picture of the past

Student hopes moa mural will ‘spur action’

Big bird tracks in NZ river among oldest moa material in existence

3.6-Million-Year-Old Moa Footprints Found in New Zealand by Natali Anderson

Scientists answer Kyeburn moa footprint questions

Moa's ark - the remarkable find of footprints in an Otago river

South Island's first moa footprints are millions of years old - study

Work Experience

Environmental Educator, Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Coordinating with members on the Orokonui education Team, I lead small-to-medium sized groups of children in nature based activities within the sanctuary. Our team recognize Mātauranga Māori traditional ecological knowledge when speaking about natural history and modern conservation efforts. I assist with school holiday activities and events, and the promotion of the education programme in the education sector and wider community. We prioritize Health & Safety of children and adults in outdoor conditions.

Invasive Species Technician, Hauturu/Little Barrier Island

Department of Conservation, Hauraki Gulf, NZ, November, 2024
In November 2024 I volunteered to keep invasive weeds at bay on Hauturu/Little Barrier Island. The island is under constant threat of invasive plant invasion and requires ongoing maintenance. As part of a team we scrambled through very thick, rough, and steep terrain in search of invasive seedlings to meticulously remove.

Project Manager and Artist on EXTINCT: Legendary Birds Mural Project

As part of my thesis in Science Communication, I wrote and edited communication materials to raise awareness, influence key audiences, and advance fundraising goals for this original project. I operated heavy machinery to paint an original artwork on a four story building wall and facilitated cross-departmental communication and outside partners to accomplish tasks meet goals. I complied with Health & Safety standards and requirements from the University of Otago, Dunedin City Council, and local businesses to approve and complete the project.

Field Technician Intern, Stewart Island Coastal Dune Restoration

In December 2019 and again in October 2023 worked as part of a team with the Department of Geography, University of Otago, to perform ecological surveys using Ground Control Points (GCPs) along GPS transects to map the Mason Bay Dunescape.
We hiked 15 km a day in variable conditions, photographing and Identifying rare and endemic plants, dodging sea lions along the way.

Habitat Steward, Volunteer Coordinator, and Science Technician

As my undergrad capstone project I worked as a Community Education Intern for Vashon Nature Center and later returned to work for VNC from 2020-2023, wearing many hats.
In 2018 I researched coyote populations via remote camera, scat DNA analysis, and howling surveys on Vashon Island. I independently managed environmental data collection, interpretation, and presentation of findings. This lead to improving the education model for community and land-owner wildlife tolerance and preparedness.

From 2020 to 2023 I worked as a Habitat Steward, Volunteer Coordinator, and Science Technician.
I coordinated youth and adult volunteers for ecological restoration, art, and science related activities and events. I conducted comprehensive multi-species wetland, forest, marine, and freshwater surveys independently and as part of a team.
I utilized federal, state, and local environmental regulations, policies, laws, guidance and plans, to improve and manage Vashon Island natural resources. for outreach I authored web feature articles and stories, fact sheets, grants, reports, and presentations about local wildlife and environmental education topics.

Attendee at Kea Conservation Trust Summit

Te Anau, NZ, November 2019

To learn more about Kea conservation strategies and challenges I attended the Kea Conservation Trust Summit in 2019. The speakers included scientists, DOC rangers, local residents, volunteers, veterinarians, and environmental resource industry representatives speaking about all aspects of Kea conservation, including science communication and misinformation about conservation strategies and actions. I participated in a parrot first-aid workshop where I learned how to properly hold, feed, and prepare injured or sick kea for veterinary care using real cadavers. The field trip included touring Milford Sound and watching DOC employees capture and perform a health check and blood test for lead on a wild kea.

Field Assistant, Motutapu Shore Plover Project

Department of Conservation, Hauraki Gulf, NZ, Feb-March, 2019
While Wwoofing in Aotearoa NZ in 2019, I volunteered to monitor juvenile and adult critically endangered tuturuatu/shore plovers on Motutapu Island. Some days we worked in pairs, traversing uneven terrain across the island to the isolated beaches and other times I walked independently, often through cattle fields. I counted individuals, recorded leg bands and identifying characteristics, and monitored their behavior
Participated in. I was lucky enough to be present for a tokoeka/kiwi naming and release ceremony on the island as well.

Willing Worker on Organic Farms (WWOOFer)

Having graduated with our bachelor's degrees in 2018, my sister and I set off in 2019 to travel and volunteer in Aotearoa New Zealand as Wwoofers. We volunteered for over 32 New Zealand families, small businesses, non-governmental organizations, and the Department of Conservation. The image here is a special memory of reading my self-published ABC book about deep sea life to a small school in Coromandel.

Student Researcher in Reptile Ecology, Western Washington University

In 2017 I camped in the remote Alvord desert conducting reptile, habitat, and arthropod surveys as part of a student research team from WWU. We utilized equipment including pitfall traps, high speed cameras, trail cameras, night vision goggles, GPS, temperature probes, and microscopes and processed samples in the lab. We used mark/recapture methods to collect data on lizard territory and behaviors. I handled several species of reptiles while collecting body conditions and measurements.

Paulina Barry

Work Experience

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