Varsha Suresh
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AQ Volume IV artist Varsha Suresh is an abstract painter and researcher based in New York City. She is interested in the intersection of human and natural worlds and is influenced by the works of Georgia O'Keeffe and Robin Wall Kimmerer because of their deep connection to nature and emphasis on environmental stewardship. Her work combines traditional mediums like gouache and watercolor with digital tools, with which she often explores the lush diversity of flora and fauna, magnifying overlooked corners of the natural world to provoke curiosity and foster a deeper environmental awareness. Suresh has exhibited her work in various shows, including Generously Seasoned at Atlantic Gallery, Bungalow Collective Showcase at Slashie Summit, and Emerging Artists 2023 by Dodomu Gallery. She plans to continue evolving her style and practice, blending observation and invention, to promote a renewed relationship with the natural world through her art.
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What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?
My inspiration to become an artist stems from a lifelong fascination with the natural world and a desire to explore the interplay between humanity and nature. I am deeply moved by the beauty and complexity of natural landscapes, which led me to pursue the arts as a way to express my admiration and foster a connection with the environment. My commitment to this path solidified as I realized the power of art to influence perspectives and inspire environmental stewardship.
Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?
My recent work delves into the concept of overlooked natural spaces, like forest floors and hidden garden nooks. I use vibrant, exaggerated colors to magnify these often unnoticed corners, inviting viewers to reconsider the familiar and explore the unseen beauty around them. Through layers of texture and pattern, I aim to create a sense of wonder and curiosity, encouraging people to reconnect with nature and reflect on their role in preserving it.
What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?
One of the most challenging aspects of my journey has been balancing the emotional intensity that comes with environmental advocacy through art. It’s sometimes overwhelming to continually confront the fragility of the ecosystems I love. I navigate this by grounding myself in the process of creating, allowing my art to serve as both an expression and a form of healing for myself and hopefully for others.
What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?
Experimentation and exploration are at the core of my practice. Whether I am mixing new pigments, integrating digital techniques, or using unconventional materials, I am always looking for ways to push the boundaries of traditional botanical illustration. This constant evolution helps keep my work dynamic and engaging, allowing me to explore new ways of storytelling through art.
Do you have any start or stop rituals before creating?
My creative rituals often involve a mix of research and meditation. I like to begin with a visit to a local library or a walk through a park, immersing myself in the environment and absorbing inspiration from natural surroundings. Before I start working, I spend some quiet moments reflecting on my intentions for the piece, read through any notes I made, grab a little sweet treat, and start to sketch out the message I want to convey.
What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?
I hope my art conveys the need to reconnect with nature and form a renewed relationship that decentralizes us and puts nature and us on the same page. Each piece is a visual reminder of the beauty and fragility of our ecosystems, urging viewers to appreciate and protect the natural world. I want to inspire a sense of curiosity and wonder, encouraging people to see the world around them with new eyes and take action to preserve it.
Share a mantra or favorite quote that keeps you going.
A quote that resonates deeply with me and guides my practice is from Robin Wall Kimmerer: “To love a place is not enough. We must find ways to heal it.” This mantra reminds me that my art is not just a celebration of nature but also a call to action, encouraging me to continually seek ways to heal and protect the places I love.
