As we launch Paul Nicklen’s stunning collection at Sun Valley Contemporary, we had the privilege of sitting down with him for an exclusive conversation about his art, inspirations, and mission. Paul’s breathtaking work captures the raw beauty and fragility of our planet, reminding us of the deep connections between humanity and the natural world. Here’s what Paul shared about his creative process, the stories behind his images, and his hopes for how art can inspire action. Dive into the full chat below and experience his powerful vision firsthand.
Check Out PAUL'S Works HERE
Your images often capture the raw beauty of extreme environments. What draws you to such challenging locations, and how does that energy translate into your work?
The extreme environments I photograph have always felt like home to me, especially the polar regions. Growing up among the Inuit in the Arctic as a child immersed me in the raw beauty and fragility of these places. These environments are where life thrives under the most intense conditions, and that resilience fascinates me. The energy of these places—the howling winds, the silence of the vast sea ice, the delicate stillness of life below the sea ice—becomes part of my process. Every image I capture is an attempt to translate the spirit of these wild places into something tangible, something that reminds people of the interconnectedness of all life. It's not just about beauty; it's about urgency and respect.
Storytelling plays a huge role in your photography. How do you decide which stories to share and what emotions to evoke in your audience?
The stories I choose to tell are those where the stakes are highest—where ecosystems or species are on the brink or where their stories reflect resilience and hope. I want my audience to see the heartbeat of these wild places, to feel what I feel when I’m face-to-face with a polar bear or watching a leopard seal gently offer me a penguin. The emotions I aim to evoke range from awe and wonder to a deep sense of responsibility. If someone sees an image of a melting glacier and it stirs them to question their role in the world, then I know I’ve done my job. For me, storytelling is about creating connection—between people and the planet, between loss and action.
Who do you envision as the audience for your work, and what change do you hope it inspires in their relationship with the natural world?
My audience is broad—everyone from policymakers and scientists to children who are just discovering the magic of the natural world. But at its core, my work is for anyone who is willing to look closely and care deeply. I hope my images inspire viewers to fall in love with the planet again, or for the first time, and to realize that their choices matter. Whether it’s reducing their carbon footprint, advocating for conservation policies, or supporting organizations like SeaLegacy, I want my work to ignite action. My dream is to turn passive viewers into active stewards of the planet—because the natural world doesn’t just belong to us, it sustains us.
Through his lens, Paul Nicklen invites us to witness the breathtaking beauty of the natural world—and to recognize what’s at stake if we fail to protect it. His images are more than art; they are visual testaments to resilience, vulnerability, and the deep interconnection between humanity and the planet.
As you explore his work, we hope you feel both the wonder and the urgency it carries. Because every image is not only a story—it’s a call to action.
To view Paul Nicklen’s available works at Sun Valley Contemporary, visit the gallery or reach out to one of our consultants for more information. We’re honoured to share his vision with you.
Check Out All the Pieces by PAUL HERE