We recently connected with Sophie Niemann and have shared our conversation below.

Sophie, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

As a child, I was introduced to the world of textiles and stitching by my mother. Those early years spent crafting alongside her were not only a time of bonding but also the seeds of a lifelong passion. Little did I know that these humble beginnings would eventually lead me on a remarkable journey into the intricate world of threadpainting. My artist journey didn’t happen overnight. In fact I only started focusing on my art in the last 10 years. As a founder and Director of a successful Field Guide Training company in South Africa, I had little time to develop my artist skills even though it was bursting to be expressed. So it was a gradual evolution over the last few years as I became more confident in my artistic abilities, and stating to make time for my craft, that I began to experiment with freehand embroidery. It was during these moments of experimentation that I discovered the magic and challenge of threadpainting.
Threadpainting is the art of using embroidery thread and fabrics as a painter uses brushes and colours on a canvas. The challenge of recreating intricate details, colours, textures and capturing the essence of my inspirations in Africa with every stitch, excited me like no other and sings to my soul. Each piece became a labor of love, a tapestry of memories and experiences, stitched together with care and dedication.
With each passing day, I still find myself still learning and perfecting my craft. Threadpainting demands patience and precision, and many hours bent over a sewing machine, but the reward is a tactile, textured and unique piece of art, that I believe tells a deeper story than classic painting techniques I create. It challenges me to push the boundaries of my creativity and skills, to blend colours seamlessly, and to capture the essence of my subjects in every stitch. It allows me to celebrate my experiences, and my inspirations since living in Africa and incorporate traditional African textiles to connect it to this amazing country, its wildlife and people.
Every thread I use, every fabric offcut is choose, and every stitch I take is a testament to my journey as an artist. I strive to create artwork this is a reflection of the beauty and diversity of Africa.
Threadpainting is not just an art form; it’s a connection to my roots and a celebration of my artistic growth. It’s a journey that started with a child’s fascination for textiles and stitch, nurtured by my mother, and blossomed into a lifelong passion and career. Today, I am proud to continue this journey, weaving threads of creativity into a tapestry of memories, whilst celebrating Africa, its wildlife and people, one stitch at a time.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Sophie, a self-taught British-born artist with a 1st Class honours degree in Zoology from Swansea University. My life has been an adventurous journey, and for the past 25 years, I’ve called Africa home. I started as a zoologist, then a safari guide, immersing myself in the wild landscapes, and even conducted research on lions in the Okavango delta. Later, I transitioned into the realm of conservation, community development and education, spearheading programs and training young people across the continent. Today, I find myself on a remote game farm in Africa, sharing this incredible journey with my husband and children. Together, we manage the farm and embrace the beauty of nature that surrounds us daily. It’s a life filled with art, adventure, and a deep connection to the African wilderness.
My journey into the world of art began as a humble hobby since I was a small child, a simple and unassuming pastime that would eventually blossom into a lifelong passion. Today, I stand as a self-taught full-time artist, proudly weaving my artistic tapestry with every delicate stitch. I create thread painting artwork that celebrates the enchanting beauty of African wildlife and its vibrant people.
What sets my art apart from many others I believe is the medium I have chosen to express my creativity—threads and fabric. These unassuming materials become my brush and canvas, allowing me to craft artworks with a tactile texture and depth that captivate the senses. At first glance, my pieces may appear to be traditional paintings, but upon closer inspection, you’ll discover the intricate stitches and fabric designs that pop out from the artwork and that breathe life and personality into my creations.
The process of thread painting is meticulous and requires hours upon hours behind a sewing machine. With every stitch, I embark on a journey of colour, memories, and joy—a journey that I hope to share with each person who brings my artwork into their home.
Each piece I create is more than just an artwork; it’s a labour of love. Every stitch represents a moment of passion, a reflection of the beauty that surrounds us, and a dedication to preserving the memories of Africa. I hope that my art not only decorates spaces but also invokes emotions, create connections to wildlife, sparks interest and conservation conversations, whilst bringing joy to those who encounter it.
In my world of thread painting, I strive to capture the heart and soul of Africa—one stitch at a time. It’s a journey of creativity, resilience, and love, and I invite you to explore this vibrant tapestry with me. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the magic of textiles and stitch, I hope my artwork resonates with you, connects you with Africa and making your space a little more colourful and your heart a little lighter.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There comes a time in life when we are faced with pivotal moments that redefine our path. For me, that moment arrived when I made the life-altering decision to leave behind my demanding career as the director of the company I founded and ran for 17 years, and embark on a new journey as a full-time artist. Life had been moving at a breakneck pace, and with my career consuming the majority of my time and energy. Running a company was rewarding, but the constant stress, particularily over the pandemic and unending responsibilities had taken a toll on my well-being. On top of this my husband had previously battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2012, and in 2021 he had a relapse in the height of covid pandemic. At anytime a cancer journey is challenging, but having to navigate Chemotherapy and the dangers of my husband being immune compromised with a deadly disease at every turn was beyond stressful. It was a stark reminder that life is both fragile and precious.
In addition to my husband’s health challenges, our children were teenagers and both soon would be in boarding school, due to the logistics of living in a remote area. The realization hit me like a thunderbolt: the most important aspects of my life were slipping away, and I needed to reprioritize.
I knew I had to make a profound change, not just for myself but for the sake of my family. I made an impulsive decision to step away from my career and focus on what truly mattered—my loved ones and my own well-being. Life is too short to be shackled to a desk, being a slave to my inbox, and constantly striving for success, especially when that success came at the expense of the moments that make life beautiful.
As I transitioned into my role as a full-time artist, I found solace in the act of creation. Art became my sanctuary, a space where I could just be and allow for the first time in years my mind to free flow and heal. I was now able to be there for my husband during his treatments, and I had the precious gift of spending more time with my children, being both physically, and more importantly, also mentally present and focused on them.
Becoming a full-time artist was not without its challenges, but I have never looked back. The decision to prioritize family and self-care has brought an immeasurable sense of fulfilment and peace. It’s a reminder that life’s true treasures are not found in offices or strategy meetings, but in the laughter of loved ones and the joy of self-expression.
Today, I am grateful for the courage to embrace change, to seize the opportunity to be present with my family, and to follow my passion for art. The journey has been transformative, and I’ve come to understand that sometimes, it takes a pivotal moment to refocus our priorities and create a life that is rich in meaning and love.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

In my early days as an artist, I used to over think with the final artwork and was scared to start anything in case it was not perfect. I would meticulously plan every stroke, measure to check proportions were right, fearing the slightest mistake would ruin the entire piece. The pressure to create a flawless masterpiece was stifling, and it often left me paralyzed with doubt and often would not even start a piece. It was a cycle that seemed impossible to break, until I met my wonderful art teacher, Anne Watt. Anne imparted a valuable lesson that has since transformed my approach to creating art. She told me, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You can always just paint over it’. At first, these words sounded like a simple piece of advice, but they held profound wisdom that would change the way I viewed my artistic journey.
Learning to embrace imperfection was a journey in itself. It required a shift in mindset, a willingness to step outside my comfort zone, and the courage to take risks. I began to realize that mistakes were not failures but opportunities for growth and exploration. They were the stepping stones on the path to mastery.
With my newfound perspective, I started to experiment more freely in my art. I let go of the need for every stroke or stitch to be perfect, and instead, I allowed my creativity to flow without restraint. I began to appreciate the beauty of the unexpected, the happy accidents that often led to the most interesting and unique outcomes.
Sure, not every piece turned out exactly as I had envisioned, but that was okay and some ended up even better than I imagined. Mistakes were no longer my enemy; they were my companions on this artistic voyage. And if a piece didn’t meet my expectations, I knew I could always start again, armed with the lessons learned from my previous attempts.
This transformation in my approach to art has brought me a sense of liberation and joy that I never thought possible. It’s a reminder that art is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey. It’s about the courage to explore, the resilience to make mistakes, and the determination to keep going.
So, to all fellow artists out there, I encourage you to unlearn the fear of mistakes. Embrace imperfection, for it is a powerful catalyst for growth and creativity. Remember the wise words of my art teacher: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You can always paint over it.” In doing so, you may find that your art takes on a life of its own.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sophieniemann.com
• Instagram: @sophieniemannart
• Facebook: sophieniemannart