It all started with drawing house plants during lockdown, but slowly my memories and imagination took over, transporting me to tropical scapes where monsteras and banana leaves flourish and stand proudly.
My Jungle Collection stemmed not only from my Asian heritage and my love of humidity! But from my passion for environmentalism and a strong reaction to the events unfolding across the globe. I have seen the destruction left in the wake of deforestation; the orphaned orangutans in Borneo and species facing extinction. It isn’t right and it makes me sad. Sad that so many people are blind to what is happening.
With social media we are flooded with petitions, announcements and posts about global warming, with tips of what we can do to help. This is amazing, but, I can’t help but think that firstly, this is overwhelming and secondly, it’s hard for people to relate. In the UK we are privileged to have access to an array of foods from around the world; however, although pristinely packaged, some contain harmful ingredients like palm oil.
For anyone unfamiliar with this ingredient, Palm oil is an edible, versatile vegetable oil that comes from the fruit of oil palm trees. Originally from Africa, now Indonesia and Malaysia make up over 85% of global supply. It can be found in almost everything, from chocolate biscuits to shampoo. Due to heavy demand, palm oil farming is leading to mass deforestation and the demise of nature and species such as orangutans and pygmy elephant. What needs to happen? The truth is, palm oil has many benefits, but companies and governments need to invest in sustainable initiatives and as consumers, we need to be more conscious of what we are buying. Visit WWF for more info on this and how we can help.
This isn’t meant to be a green washing article! I just want to offer an insight into what drives my art process and my passion for creating eco-friendly art.
With my art, I simply hope to get people appreciating the beauty of nature; to observe the intricacy of plants and reflect on their relationship with nature. With the Jungle Collection it’s my way of bringing people in the UK closer to South-East Asia. There is a shift happening, a call for equilibrium, asking us to connect with the divine feminine, Mother Nature. My drawings seek to show the beauty and resilience of nature and its necessity. Nature is inspiring and it is our greatest teacher. When we connect with the earth, we can truly heal and grow.
What is your relationship like with nature?
Shop my Jungle Collection.