CLAIRE BRIDGE, Brave not Perfect, 2018, oil on linen, 135 x 167 cm

Jade Hameister....

At 16 years of age, January 11th 2018, Jade Hameister arrived at the South Pole after an epic 37 day trek, setting world records and becoming the youngest person to ski from the coast of Antarctica to South Pole unsupported, unassisted and completing the Polar Hat-Trick. Jade’s conviction in the potential of young women, to focus on the possibilities of their actions and not how they appear, inspired me greatly. I thought “Here is the dream coming true. In a society where women and girls are often limited by expectations and discrimination, in Jade I saw a young woman living her potential with daring and freedom… and a powerful message to protect the planet and save species.” I had to paint her portrait.

Jade's book "My Polar Quest" has just been released and the National Geographic film on her epic adventure just premiered in "Jade's Quest"