I’m beyond thrilled to share that I’ve been honored as the Best in Show Winner for Blue Sky Award at Ten Moir Gallery! This journey has been a blend of passion, persistence, and countless hours at the drawing board, and I’m so grateful for the support along the way.
Artist Interview
What led you to specialize in wildlife art, and why did you choose graphite as your primary medium?
Thank you for selecting me as a winner of the Blu Sky Artist Award! This is a truly meaningful milestone in my artistic journey.
Graphite was the first tool I used to write and draw, and it quickly became my medium of choice. It is lightweight, dry, and easy to transport, making it adaptable to different conditions. Though I explored other materials, I always found myself returning to graphite because it just felt right. Its monochrome nature allows me to focus on capturing light and the way it interacts with the animals I portray.
Growing up in a crowded, impoverished place, I had little access to nature and few opportunities to travel. Instead, I found my escape in science textbooks and galleries, where I discovered the fascinating world of wildlife art. Reading about animals and ecosystems became one of the few ways I could explore beyond my surroundings.
Something about wildlife systems captivated me. The illustrations and photographs in those books brought nature to life and allowed my mind to travel through the work of artists and photographers.
How do you select the animals you portray, and do you have a favorite species that holds special meaning to you?
This is a fantastic question and one I often reflect on during my process. I have a deep love for many wildlife species, which can make selecting a subject quite challenging. Recently, I have been particularly interested in animal behaviors and relationships. I explore whether they are solitary or social creatures and study their interactions within their environment.
I typically choose an animal that I am currently learning about. I watch videos, read about their behavior, and identify the aspects that intrigue me most. For example, in my recent piece Love Me for Another Season, I wanted to highlight the density of a snow leopard’s fur and its large, snow-adapted paws. Understanding these characteristics helps me refine my selection of reference photos and focus on what I find most compelling.
It is difficult to choose a favorite species because I truly love them all. However, I am especially drawn to wild cats such as cheetahs, snow leopards, and Pallas’s cats. Their agility, resilience, and ability to thrive in harsh conditions continue to inspire me.
Your work captures an incredible level of realism and emotional depth. What is your process for bringing these animals to life on paper?
I want to reach my viewers on an emotional level through the unconditional love portrayed in my drawings. One way I achieve this is by creating a high degree of realism and depth. It is something I cannot fully explain, but I believe that the act of loving something is naturally inspiring. It is not about the object of affection itself, but about the act of loving, even without expecting anything in return. Applying pencil to paper is a simple act, but when done with intention, it can move people in profound ways. The power in that simplicity continues to touch me, and I am often surprised by how deeply it resonates with others.
Since I rely mostly on reference photos, selecting the right image is essential to ensure I can achieve the composition I envision.
Once I have chosen a photo, I adjust it to the final dimensions and use a grid to guide me in capturing proportions and details. This stage is also where I make high-level decisions, such as refining the background or foreground elements. From there, I work through outlines, layering, and refining each section until completion. The process can take many hours, so it is important to enjoy the journey and remain patient through the long, challenging stages.
Your art is deeply connected to wildlife conservation. How do you hope your work contributes to awareness and preservation efforts?
I believe that awareness is the first step toward meaningful change. By creating work that highlights the beauty, complexity, and fragility of wildlife, I hope to inspire others to care about species that may be overlooked or misunderstood. I want to spark curiosity and provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the animals I depict.
My goal is for people to feel a personal connection to these animals, whether it’s the quiet strength of an elephant or the delicate grace of a snow leopard. I hope that this emotional connection will motivate action, whether through supporting conservation organizations, adopting more sustainable practices, or simply sharing knowledge.
Ultimately, I want my art to be more than just a reflection of nature; I want it to serve as a call to protect it. By using my work to raise awareness and amplify the voices of those advocating for conservation, I hope to contribute, even in a small way, to the preservation of the incredible creatures that inspire me.
Do you experiment with other artistic mediums, or do you feel graphite offers the best way to express your vision?
Having tried a few different mediums throughout my artistic journey, I have found the most fulfillment in expressing myself through graphite. There is something incredibly satisfying about the simplicity of graphite as a tool. It allows me to focus entirely on creating a range of layers and capturing intricate details that might be more difficult to achieve with other materials. The versatility of graphite, from its soft, delicate tones to its bold, intense contrasts, provides the perfect means to express the depth and realism I strive for in my work.
While I have not felt a strong pull to explore other mediums at the moment, I am always open to experimentation in the future. Art is about growth and pushing boundaries, and I am curious to see how other materials might offer new challenges and ways of seeing. For now, graphite remains my primary tool because it enables me to stay deeply connected to the level of detail and realism I want to achieve, but I am never closed off to new possibilities.
How do you stay motivated and continue evolving your techniques?
Staying motivated comes from my deep passion for wildlife and the desire to constantly improve my skills. I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself, whether it’s experimenting with different applications of graphite or studying animal behavior to bring more authenticity to my work. The process of learning and refining my techniques keeps me engaged and excited.
I try to stay motivated by setting achievable goals within each piece I create. This allows me to track my progress and maintain a sense of accomplishment, even when the larger picture feels overwhelming.
As for evolving my techniques, I believe in always being open to learning. Whether through studying other artists, trying new methods, or reflecting on my past work, I find that growth happens when I push myself to go beyond what I’ve already mastered. The journey of improvement is an ongoing one, and I never want to lose sight of that.
You mention constantly refining your techniques. Are there any new approaches or artistic challenges you’re currently exploring?
Absolutely. I believe that being an artist means constantly learning and evolving. Although graphite is a simple tool, I continue to refine my techniques by experimenting with different application methods. Recently, I have been exploring new ways to apply graphite, such as creating my own powder and using cotton balls to press it into the paper. I wrote more about this process here: https://ratnastudio.com/blog/graphite-powder.
I also focus on refining my layering techniques to achieve greater realism. While this approach can be time-consuming, consistent practice improves efficiency and helps create the desired effect.
What advice would you give to emerging artists who want to create meaningful work with a purpose?
Everything starts with the mind. Curating the story you want to tell begins by looking inward and identifying what is meaningful to you conceptually. From there, selecting the right medium and materials will help you express your vision effectively.
It is also important to prioritize yourself and learn to say “no” to distractions or ideas that pull you away from your goals. Time is our most valuable resource, and being mindful of how you spend it will bring you closer to your purpose.
Most importantly, remember to enjoy both the process and the art itself. At the end of the day, it is the love for creating that drives us to dedicate countless hours to our work.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or exhibitions you’re excited about?
I am currently excited to be working on a baby series at a smaller scale. This project allows me to apply my techniques in a simpler, more focused way while taking a break from the larger pieces I have been pushing myself to create. After this series, I look forward to returning to larger works with a fresh perspective.
I am deeply grateful to be chosen as a winner of the Blu Sky Artist Award, and I am truly honored by this opportunity for a wonderful interview. I hope this conversation has been an interesting read and has inspired you in some way.
