Drawn to the wild

ISSUE: 139

Rohan Dahotre’s striking illustrations are helping to spread awareness of the rich and diverse fauna of our country

What launched your passion for wildlife?

RD: I started drawing wildlife around seven years back. All species have different forms and features and I wanted to draw them and subconsciously study and understand them. I often study animals through websites and other wildlife pages before drawing them. While visiting such links I would often read about how amazing these species are and how so many are on the verge of extinction. This made me want to draw more of them not just for the joy I got while drawing them but also to show people a bit about them through my works and thus spread awareness

As a wildlife illustrator, do you prefer to draw from imagination/photo references?

RD: I draw mostly from photo references – that is very important when you are drawing a certain species that has a unique pattern or structure. There are certain projects where the art can be abstract and that’s where the imagination comes in. I would love to go out into the forest to see animals up close but as a full-time freelancer working from home throughout the year, that would be time taking. However, I do love taking small trips to refresh my mind and get inspired.

Tell us about your other efforts to spread awareness about wildlife.

RD: I feel art is a very strong medium to express our thoughts to the audience. It can create feelings, it can tell a story and it can make you aware and give knowledge. Art has many forms – photography, film, dance, music, and much more. All are strong and impactful in their own way. My aim is to show the beauty of wildlife through my artwork. I cannot change people through my work but I can make them more aware. I try to do this through my work in different ways:

• Informative art that brings awareness and introduces you to species. I just draw various species to show people the beauty that lies in them.

• Subject art that tells a story without you having to explain anything.

• Art that reflects current facts or events that are getting ignored by the media.

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