I’m deeply honored to be chosen as a winner in the Boynes Artist Award for Wildlife Month 2024, among such incredible entries. The Boynes Artist Award team has created an invaluable platform for me to connect with a community of artists and audiences alike. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to connect with their own artistic calling.

Interview With Artist Ratna Sari (Updated)

Sep 24, Written By Chantal Boynes

Congratulations to Ratna Sari for earning her place as a Winner in the Boynes Monthly Art Award June 2024 Edition!

Who are you?

Hi there! I'm Ratna, a wildlife artist based in Seattle, USA. My love for wildlife has been a driving force in my art since childhood. Pencil drawing has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember.

During my school years, I explored a variety of artistic tools and techniques, which laid a strong foundation for my creative journey. In college, I embraced more advanced art classes and experimented with different materials, though I have always had a special fondness for graphite pencils.

My professional path has led me to become a Senior Designer and this has enhance my artistic abilities. This fusion of design and art has allowed me to bring a fresh perspective to my work, continually inspired by the natural world. Though I’ve worked in many digital medium, I’ve been very happy to express my artwork in traditional pencil medium.

What inspired you to utilize drawing as a medium?

I adore the simplicity of pencil and paper. This approach lets me really dive into value studies, which bring lifelike qualities to my work. Using graphite gives me the ability to layer, blend, and even use an eraser strategically to create highlights. Graphite is lightweight, flexible, and portable, enabling me to create art while traveling. The simplicity of graphite allow me to focus on what is important, which is to tell stories of my art subject.

How would you describe your Artwork?

My practice has always been aimed at creating an intimate connection between the viewer and my art subjects by depicting realism at the highest standard. I strive to remove any signs that my final pieces were created with pencil strokes, aiming for a seamless and lifelike representation.

To achieve this level of realism, it is crucial for me to master blending techniques extensively. A significant portion of my practice revolves around perfecting these techniques to ensure that the transition between tones and shades is as smooth and natural as possible. This meticulous attention to detail allows me to erase any visible traces of pencil strokes in my final works, bringing my subjects to life in a way that feels almost tangible.

I believe each of my subjects has a story to tell, and it is my job to integrate myself into the subject to give them a voice. By focusing on these elements, I aim to create artworks that not only capture the essence of wildlife but also foster a deeper appreciation and connection between the viewer and the natural world.

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your winning work?

I draw inspiration from the relationships within wildlife, particularly the herd behavior of elephants. These intricate social bonds and behaviors deeply influence my work, shaping the emotional depth and narrative of my art. Recollections on the Trail captures the intricate details of a matriarchal elephant leading her herd along a trail. This graphite drawing highlights the social nature of elephants, emphasizing their collaborative interactions. The forefront of the drawing is meticulously detailed, symbolizing the importance of memories and the matriarch's leadership. As the trail extends, the elephants in the background are subtly blurred, reflecting the passage of time and the collective experiences shared by the herd. This artwork underscores the crucial role of adult females in the protection, nurturing, and communal life of elephant family units, enhancing the survival chances of their calves. "Recollections on the Trail" intricately portrays a matriarchal elephant leading her herd. The detailed forefront symbolizes memories and leadership, while the subtly blurred background signifies shared experiences and the passage of time, highlighting the crucial role of adult females in protecting and nurturing the herd's communal life for their calves' survival.

Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating your winning work?

Creating "Recollections on the Trail" begins with selecting the right reference image that can effectively convey the story I want to tell. Achieving lifelike accuracy is crucial, so I rely heavily on reference photos to capture every intricate detail. After evaluating numerous options, I chose a photograph of an elephant herd walking in a single line, with a young calf playfully trailing behind and protected by the herd.

Once the reference image was selected, I determined the appropriate size and landscape format for the piece. I used a grid to establish reference points, which helps in maintaining proportions and accuracy throughout the drawing process.

The drawing process begins with completing the line work. I prefer to build in details gradually, focusing on specific areas at a time. To combat fatigue and keep my perspective fresh, I often rotate my artboard, finding that drawing upside down can also be an effective technique without compromising the overall goal. I typically start at the foot of the subject and work my way up, moving around from section to section as needed.

Given that the piece features both "blurry" and "focused" sections, this approach allows me to give myself breaks and maintain high-quality results. Finally, I add the background and ground details to provide context and complete the composition. For this artwork, I dedicated around 150 hours, meticulously working on every intricate detail to ensure no compromises in quality.

What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?

The beauty of the world is ever-present, to be experienced in the here and now. It is an honor to exist in this world, surrounded by the wonders of nature. As humans, we cannot overlook our profound interconnectedness with nature. To ensure a sustainable future, it is imperative that we strive to preserve our planet and its inhabitants. Each of us plays an integral role in maintaining the delicate balance of this world. Recognizing and cherishing the value of nature is paramount. Through my artwork, I seek to capture the essence of wildlife, hoping to inspire others to fall in love with and protect the natural world.

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?

I have a couple of insights to share. First, I discovered that I was being overly cautious when applying pencil to paper, which made the process slower and less enjoyable. My fear of mistakes hindered me from accurately depicting my artwork. However, I realized I could be more relaxed and even introduce patterns and textures to my subject, allowing some artistic freedom while maintaining realism. Second, I learned that the choice of paper greatly influences what you can achieve with a pencil, sometimes even more than the pencil itself. While there's no simple answer to what paper is "best," the decision hinges on the technique or texture you intend to convey.

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?

There have been several pivotal moments in my artistic journey that have shaped me as an artist. Driven by a desire for connection, I’ve discovered art communities and competitions in recent years. In 2023, I was honored to be selected as a finalist for Wildlife Artist of the Year with my piece “Risky Disposition,” hosted by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. This recognition was a wake-up call, compelling me to take my art seriously. I was invited to the Mall Galleries in London for the opening ceremony and exhibition, where I had the rare opportunity to meet a community of world-class wildlife artists. Connecting with artists from around the world, all passionate about depicting wildlife's beauty and raising awareness, was truly inspiring.

More recently, a small collection of my work was selected for the Graphite Exhibition at the Graphite Art Center in Edmonds, WA. This event allowed me to engage with local artists and share my passions with friends and family in Seattle. On an unexpected day at the gallery, a collector fell in love with my piece “Risky Disposition” and made a purchase. Witnessing an audience’s appreciation for my work fueled my motivation to continue creating.

Additionally, I was thrilled to receive the “People’s Choice Award” for my artwork, an honor that holds great significance for me. This recognition from the audience validates the connection my work has made with viewers and deeply motivates me to continue pursuing my passion. It’s incredibly gratifying to know that my art resonates with others and is appreciated in such a meaningful way.

Can you share with us the best piece of advice you you wish you had known at the start of your career?

As an artist and creator, it is so important to reconnect and integrate part of myself in what I create. This very thing can give my creation a piece of myself and deeper meaning that motivate me to move forward, even when I face challenges. I’ve also learned to stick with my chosen art medium instead of following trends. This way I can keep nurturing my artistic expression without compromise.

What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?

I'm currently immersed in developing intricate storytelling within my art pieces. While it's in its early stages, I don't have visuals to share yet. But you can stay updated by following my latest work on my Instagram.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?

I'd like to share two important insights. Firstly, discover your strengths and unique talents, and continually work on enhancing your skills. As artists, we will face many external influences and biases. It is crucial to create art for your passion. If you haven't found your voice yet, keep working—it will eventually reveal itself to you.

Secondly, don't hesitate to decline opportunities that don't align with your goals. By doing so, you'll free up time to focus on your art and chosen projects. Guarding your time as an artist is essential to achieving your dreams.