Wellington Artist Niels Meyer-Westfeld Celebrates Nature in New Book

Wellington-based artist Niels Meyer-Westfeld has recently released his second book, titled Feathers of Aotearoa: An Illustrated Journal, which showcases his passion for the natural world. The book is a reflection of Meyer-Westfeld’s dedication to depicting the beauty of nature, particularly through his intricate illustrations of feathers.

Meyer-Westfeld, 57, resides in Eastbourne, where the view from his deck overlooks a kowhai tree frequented by local tūī birds. This serene environment serves as a significant source of inspiration for his artwork. He describes himself as a naturalist, stating, “I don’t really add myself into it as much as an abstract artist would do. I’m just a messenger, helping people stop in their tracks and look more closely.” His intention is to draw attention to the often-overlooked details in nature, revealing their fascinating intricacies.

Having lived in Eastbourne for 13 years with his wife, Deborah Sweeney, and their two sons, Lars, 15, and Romeo, 12, Meyer-Westfeld reflects on how his surroundings have influenced his work. “Right now, I’m looking out over our deck and kowhai tree and watching tūī. A lot of what I’m drawing is right around my house,” he says.

Originally from Germany, Meyer-Westfeld spent the first 18 years of his life there before moving on to study graphic design in Hanover. After completing his studies, he pursued a Master’s degree in communication design in London. His early career included freelance work for notable companies such as MTV and The Body Shop, as well as designing video games.

Meyer-Westfeld’s path took a significant turn when he met his wife, who was then a fashion designer. Following a year of long-distance dating, he made the life-altering decision to move to New Zealand. He admits, “You don’t just wake up in London and decide to move to New Zealand. I knew nothing about the country.” Initially, he found employment right away, which surprised him, and he soon settled into his new life.

For 15 years, Meyer-Westfeld worked in the fashion industry, managing website and graphic design tasks. However, as family demands grew, particularly with the arrival of their second child, the couple decided it was time for a change. Meyer-Westfeld transitioned to focusing on his art full-time, while Sweeney shifted her attention to pottery.

The artist has cultivated a space in which both of his sons can explore their creativity. Lars is currently earning money drawing pets, while Romeo leans towards comic art. Meyer-Westfeld describes their collaborative studio environment fondly, stating, “We work back to back on an easel when he’s doing his doggies and I’m drawing birds.”

His artistic style combines watercolors and pastels, focusing on realistic depictions of New Zealand’s flora and fauna. Since 2008, Meyer-Westfeld has dedicated himself to capturing the essence of nature through his drawings. He expresses a profound love for the subject matter, saying, “If I would’ve been someone else, I would have written a song about it.”

In his latest work, Meyer-Westfeld has meticulously illustrated various feathers, although he humbly notes that none have fully done justice to their beauty. “All these bits and barbs, and all the clever things they do which can’t be expressed in a drawing,” he remarks. He emphasizes that every element of nature, when examined closely, reveals far more than what initially meets the eye.

Through Feathers of Aotearoa, Meyer-Westfeld invites readers to appreciate the wonder of the natural world, encouraging them to pause and observe the intricate details that often go unnoticed. His work serves as a reminder of the beauty surrounding us and the importance of connecting with nature.