Meet Zemma Butler
ZEMMA BUTLER - ARTIST | EXPLORER | STORYTELLER
With salt in her hair and creativity in her soul, Zemma Butler is a self-taught Australian artist and designer whose work is as layered and luminous as the ocean she draws inspiration from. Based on the Sunshine Coast, Zemma shares a vibrant life with her partner Matt and their three daughters—Memphis, Aviana, and Jagger—whom they homeschool while running a civil business and living part-time aboard their Princess Yacht S65.
Her art practice blends intricate surface pattern design with large-scale canvas works, often hiding empowering messages within each piece. Zemma’s creations are deeply rooted in nature, resilience, and the everyday beauty of coastal life. From reef-inspired textures to golden-hour reflections, her work captures the essence of Australia’s marine landscapes and the stories they hold.
As the artist behind the bespoke Princess Yachts Australia design, Zemma brings a uniquely local and ocean-forward perspective to luxury. In this interview, she shares her journey, her inspirations, and the soulful connection between art, family, and the sea.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your family?
I’m a self-taught Australian artist and designer based on the Sunshine Coast. My partner, Matt, and I have three daughters—Memphis, Aviana, and Jagger—who we homeschool, which keeps our lives creative, adventurous, and always full of learning. Alongside my art practice, we also run a civil business, so our days are a mix of the studio, the workshop, and family life.
When we’re not at home, we spend a few weeks at a time living aboard our boat, exploring stretches of the Queensland coastline. Those trips have shaped both our lifestyle and my work, deepening my connection to the ocean. Outdoors is where I feel most alive, and as a family we’re fearless explorers—always seeking new adventures. Wellness and mindfulness are also central to my life, keeping me balanced and inspired.
Artistically, I’m self-taught with a love for many styles—from intricate surface pattern design through to large-scale canvas art. I often hide empowering words and layered meanings within my work, blending storytelling, resilience, and beauty with the textures and tones of the sea.
“Wellness, mindfulness, and creativity are the threads that run through both my art and my life.”
Tell us about your art—your passion for creativity and why it matters to you (and to share with others).
My practice blends fine art with design: layered canvases, modern coastal illustration, and surface patterns. I hide empowering words and messages within many pieces—little discoveries that reward a closer look. Creating is my way of telling stories about resilience, gratitude, and the sea; sharing that with people—whether in a home, a boardroom, or on a beautiful yacht—feels like passing on a bit of light.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Always the ocean first: tide marks, rope, hull shadows, coral geometry, and that shifting palette of sun, salt and spray. I’m also inspired by travel along the Queensland coast, vintage nautical charts, and the everyday moments of family life on the water—wet towels, sandy feet, golden-hour glass-outs.
But inspiration isn’t only found in nature. It often strikes in the simplest of everyday moments—an outdoor adventure, a shift in light, or a fleeting detail most people might overlook. At other times, it comes from something deeper: navigating a challenging season in life, shedding a layer of who I am, and allowing space for growth and expression. My work draws as much from lived experience and resilience as it does from the natural world.
“My work draws as much from lived experience and resilience as it does from the natural world.”
You are the artist behind the Princess Yachts Australia design—what inspired the design and what did you think of the brief?
The brief was a dream: elevate the refined lines of Princess with an artwork that felt authentically Australian and ocean-forward. I drew on reef patterns, sea turtles, and the elegant curvature of the yachts themselves—clean forms layered with texture and subtle typography. My aim was to mirror Princess’ craftsmanship with art that feels timeless, luxurious, and deeply connected to our waters.
What are your family’s favourite destinations to take your yacht?
We’re spoiled for choice here. The Whitsundays (Bait Reef and the quieter anchorages) are a family favourite, and we love the Southern Great Barrier Reef—Lady Musgrave’s lagoon is pure magic. Tangalooma is another special destination, where I love seeing lionfish, wobbegong, and the incredible marine life that gathers around the shipwreck structures. The Percy Islands are also a favourite stop when we’re passage-making.
To bring Zemma Butler’s artwork into your home or business, you can explore original pieces and limited edition prints via zemmabutlerart.com, or commission a bespoke creation tailored to your space. Zemma also collaborates with premium brands on custom designs and licensed artwork. For enquiries, reach out via email or DM through the website or Instagram @zemmabutlerart to discuss sizing, palette, and timelines.
