Paine studied at Santa Fe College in New Mexico and the Pratt Institute in New York. During the 1990s, he co-founded the artist collective Brand Name Damages and began exhibiting his work in New York City. His distinct artistic vision and captivating use of diverse subjects and materials quickly gained him international recognition, leading to exhibitions in esteemed art venues worldwide.

Through his artwork, Paine sheds light on humanity's pursuit to impose a rational order upon natural forces, symbolizing the inherent conflict between the organic and the man-made realms. His vast body of work encompasses various forms, including art-making machines, polymer reproductions of plants, meticulously crafted replicas of wooden and metal tools, and life-size wooden dioramas representing human-built environments.

Among Paine's most iconic creations is a series of colossal stainless steel tree sculptures. Inspired by the intricate growth patterns found in nature, this concept evolved to incorporate the artist's deep fascination with the structures of the human brain and nervous system.

Positioned in public spaces, these massive sculptures engage with their surroundings, both the constructed environment and the natural world. The sculptures' forms establish a visual connection with the nearby trees, while their polished stainless-steel surfaces evoke contemplation, aiming towards the urban landscape.

"I take this organic majestic being and break it down into components and rules."

- Roxy Payne

Paine’s artworks are included in major collections, among them: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Washington, D.C., USA); Museum of Modern Art (MoMA, New York, NY, USA); San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA) (San Francisco, CA, USA); Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY; The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA, Los Angeles, CA, USA); Whitney Museum of American Art (New York, NY, USA).