Raewyn Whaley’s art practice is drawn from a philosophical viewpoint, which explores ideas and notions of "being" and incorporates her interest in contemplative thought. Her practice of spontaneous undirected drawing, re-interpreted into abstract paintings, is a continuation of the Abstract Expressionist tradition, which explores the workings of the mind and the unconscious. This intuitive process, where the original idea may be re-formed also demonstrates the constant state of flux and change in the experience of ‘being’. This intervention highlights an aspect of ‘being’ – that every thing is in relationship, and that there is a wholeness at the heart of everything. This is reflected in her Unknowing and What is real series.

Whaley is also a figurative painter. Her interest in early New Zealand is reflected in her figurative paintings, portraits and her children’s book illustrations – Harry and the Anzac Poppy, George Nepia and Jean Batten. Raewyn graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2002. She was awarded the Arts Whakatane Award at the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2017 for her painting Between. Whaley’s early years were influenced by the creative culture in her home life. Her grandfather Clarence Leman was one of Auckland’s early builders of villas, and first fibrous plaster manufacturer of ornate plaster ceilings. Her family home in Mt Albert, a show home for the business, featured gargoyles and exotica in the ceilings.