The 'Art' of Conservation

Sudarshan Shaw's illustrations have always fascinated me. His ability to weave traditional knowledge and folklore into the fabric of conservation can play a huge role in how we spread the message of biodiversity and co-existence. His work apart from creating awareness helps instil a sense of pride in the folk and natural heritage treasure that is India, and for that, he is our Green Warrior of the month.

- Bhavna Menon

Can you tell our readers a bit about your journey and what inspired you to use your design skill to represent the natural world and its people?

Born and brought up in the art and culture-rich cities of Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, I grew up feeding on art forms and colours of all types. I have also always been a history buff.

But it all came together only after I discovered my call towards wildlife while pursuing my last year of college. I visited Ranthambore National Park (my first-ever introduction to the wild world) for my graduation project and I just knew I had found my space.

While the forests look magnificent and beautiful, I felt the connection was missing. I realised folk art, stories and interpretations of communities who have lived closer to wildlife for centuries helped build context and connect with wildlife. That is when I started to explore more and create a graphic style that is true to the land and the beings living on it.

Your illustrations are very atypical of the usual illustrative style of modern-day artists. Can you tell us about your design style?

I call my art style ‘Folkindica’ as it is a unique art style which draws its inspiration from ancient, traditional and folk art forms of India. It borrows its nature from the richness and rootedness of Indian art, its spirit from the thoughtfulness and vibrancy of ancient artworks and its matter from the beliefs and practices of Indian culture. It is a combination of both biological and cultural, symbolic and descriptive & wild and decorated.