Varsha Suresh
Illustrator, Photographer, & Researcher
Hi, my name is Varsha Suresh aka Pencil Roots and I'm an artist and photographer based in New York City.
With natural worlds as my muse, I use my artistic practice to understand her and tell stories about her. My creative process is grounded in research and exploration, whether it’s delving into the history of urban nature at a library, wandering city streets, or immersing myself in natural landscapes. Through each piece, I strive to heal and connect with the places I love, following Robin Wall Kimmerer’s words “To love a place is not enough. We must find ways to heal it.”
Artist Statement
My art serves as a microscope and a canvas, magnifying the often-overlooked corners of the natural world. I delve deep into the verdant mysteries of forest floors and hidden nooks in gardens, exploring the lush diversity of flora and fauna through my paintbrush.
In my creative process, colors are not just seen; they are felt—intensified, exaggerated, almost surreal. I take this approach to set up a challenge to reconsider the familiar, transforming everyday greens and browns into a spectacle of hues that demand attention and provoke curiosity.
Texture and pattern form the backbone of my visual language. Through them, I build layers of complexity into every painting, inviting you to look again (and again). The more you see, the more there seems to be, as details emerge and forms evolve - it's an invitation to explore, to lose oneself in a jungle of details that continually unfold.
My artistic practice is a blend of observation and invention, honoring the beauty and richness of the environment while pushing the envelope on traditional botanical illustration. Whether through the exploration of new materials or the integration of digital techniques, I am always looking for ways to evolve my style and practice. My ethos is deeply rooted in environmentalism and conservation. Through my art, I aim to foster a connection, encouraging a deeper appreciation and awareness of our environmental responsibilities. Each piece serves as a visual reminder of the beauty and fragility of ecosystems, promoting a sense of stewardship and a call to experience and preserve the magic that lies outdoors.
In essence, my work is a celebration, a call to action, and a bit of a botanical riot—all rolled into one. It's where the wild things grow, unfettered and unapologetically vibrant.