Meet the Artist
I am Azi, a visual artist, designer, technologist, and devoted wildlife conservationist. Driven by a lifelong passion for protecting wildlife, I am thrilled to share the natural beauty, magnificent behaviors, and unique stories of wildlife through diverse mediums, including beautiful paintings, fine art fashion, storytelling, books, digital arts, and educational programs. These works are prominently featured at diverse art galleries and community outreach events, serving as powerful tools to raise awareness for unique wildlife species within the community. My ultimate goal is to spread the true value and beauty of wildlife worldwide, fostering awareness for their protection.
In 2014, I founded The Wildlife Jewels® Collection, initially showcasing my wildlife paintings at esteemed art galleries in Laguna Beach, California. This artistic journey evolved into The Wildlife Jewels® Collections clothing company, where I design limited edition fine art fashion and accessories inspired by my wildlife paintings. In 2023, taking my passion to new heights, I founded Wildlife Jewels® ORG, a 501(c)(3) public charity, with the mission to protect wildlife from human-caused threats through a fusion of arts, science, technology, and collaborations.
My deep connection and fascination with wildlife dates back to childhood; I began observing and drawing wildlife at the age of 4 and have continued ever since, now with over 400 wildlife paintings, all aimed at raising awareness for wildlife. My commitment to wildlife rescue began in my teenage years as I surfed along the Orange County coastline, rescuing seabirds and marine mammals. Holding a BA in Fine Arts, an MS in Computer Science focused on artificial intelligence and bio-inspired robotics, and a PhD in Applied Sciences, I bring a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to the forefront for the protection of wildlife.
My art is a vibrant reflection of the magnificent beauty of wildlife, characterized by bright colors and intricate details inspired by the nuances of the natural world. I create my art in my studio in Southern California, and our limited edition apparel and home decor products are crafted by a skilled team of sewers in the same region.
January 2003: The genesis of our mission can be traced back to 2003 when our founder, Azi Sharif embarked on a remarkable artistic journey. It all began with a University project where she painted a stunning “Bird of Paradise”, a piece that marked the inception of the Wildlife Jewels® Collection.
Following the “Bird of Paradise” painting, Azi expanded her repertoire by crafting five additional Birds of Paradise, a Spix’s Macaw and a captivating painting featuring an African Elephant and a Monarch Butterfly, all employing the same distinctive technique.
September 2006, our founder's profound fascination with wildlife extended beyond the realm of the arts. She pursued higher education, earning both a Master's and a Ph.D., delving into the captivating world of bio-inspired robotics and the intricate behaviors observed in nature. Her academic journey led her to explore various natural phenomena, including the concepts of swarming, stigmergy, and emergence in nature, such as ant colony optimization, and the flight patterns of pelicans.
In 2014, these multifaceted passions and inspirations harmonized, giving rise to what became known as the 'Wildlife Jewels Collection.' This initial assortment comprised a series of six paintings, prominently highlighting the resplendent birds of paradise and an exquisite peacock. In 2015, the collection made its debut at an art exhibition hosted in a Laguna Beach gallery, under a noble mission: to share the captivating beauty of these avian marvels and to raise awareness regarding the perilous human-induced threats that these majestic creatures confront.
Following the exhibition's success, the Wildlife Jewels Collection expanded its scope to encompass a broader array of wildlife, including the critically endangered Persian Cheetah, the precious Rhinoceros, the majestic Pangolin, and a myriad of other magnificent species. In 2016, a remarkable metamorphosis took place within this collection, giving rise to pieces that seamlessly blended fashion with practical artistry. These collection items made appearances in numerous distinctive fashion shows throughout the United States, including a notable showcase at Harvard University. These shows not only displayed the wildlife-inspired fashion but also included presentations that shed light on the various threats faced by the featured wildlife.
In 2021, the Wildlife Jewels Collection embarked on a new phase of storytelling, aimed at raising awareness about the human-induced threats wildlife face. It featured wildlife including a Brown Pelican, Western Gull, Elegant Tern, Lion, and a Rhinoceros, all of whom had suffered injuries due to human-induced threats but were fortunate enough to be rescued by global rescue organizations.
In 2023, we are honored to introduce the establishment of our Wildlife Jewels® nonprofit organization, a significant stride in elevating our dedication and taking transformative actions to protect wildlife. We aim to weave together the realms of arts, sciences, technology, education, and collaborations with global conservation leaders and policy makers. Our organization stands as a dedicated guardian, tirelessly working to protect and preserve these precious wildlife inspirations from extinction.
Our Vision
“We dream of a world where wildlife thrives untouched by human activities, roaming freely in their natural habitats. In this world, every person recognizes the magnificent beauty and value of living wildlife, and takes significant action to ensure safety and protection of wildlife.”
— Azi Sharif, Founder & Executive Director Wildlife Jewels™
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