Who is Jem?
As a fourth-generation artist, I grew up in a family of South African sculptors and painters, including my father, renowned sculptor Dylan Lewis. It taught me early on to see the world through a creative lens.
South Africa’s rugged coastlines and emerald kelp forests gave me a deep love of the ocean from an early age, one that led me to a Master’s degree in Applied Ocean Science, adding a scientist’s appreciation for life beneath the surface.
Time in the water, surfing and guiding at exclusive resorts including Nihi Sumba and Six Senses Laamu, taught me to read and map the sea’s raw energy.
My paintings are where all three passions converge.
Where It Began
After my studies exploration beckoned. Indonesia was an obvious choice with its perfect waves and tropical jungles. It was here in the remote Mentawai Islands where Creating Jem took shape.
All my art is created in watercolour and pen, a medium that captures the fluid, intricate nature of the sea and its creatures. I hope my art inspires a deeper connection to the ocean, and a sense of its wonder and importance for human wellbeing.
Private Commissions
I offer 1-of-1 original artworks in watercolor and pen. These are collaborative pieces designed to turn a specific ocean moment into a permanent part of your home.
Limited Edition Prints
Printed on True Matte Fibre 200gsm paper. With a limited edition of 50 prints per painting.
Local, Sustainable style
Original ocean-inspired watercolours, scanned in high resolution
and brought to life as wearable art.
Printed For You ❤
Our clothing is made a little differently. Instead of producing large batches and hoping they sell, each piece is only created once you order it. This means zero deadstock and no waste.
By printing locally on 100% cotton and only making what’s needed, we reduce water, energy, and unnecessary transport. It might take a few extra days to arrive, but it is a more sustainable way of making clothes, and a small step toward keeping the ocean we love a little cleaner.
