ARTIST STATEMENT Debra D’Souza





I am drawn to detail and pattern, particularly the kind of detail one may not notice at first glance. I enjoy expeditions and traveling to exotic lands to discover hidden beauty found in nature. I am constantly seeking out the intrinsic beauty and detail hidden in plants. As an explorer and an artist one needs to train the eye, not just to look, but also to see and observe.

My work consists of two distinct yet related bodies, botanical illustration and botanical subjects rendered in oil. These separate bodies both share the subject of nature and the art of observation, while being executed in different mediums. My traditional botanical works are watercolor studies meant to illustrate the beauty in our world; while my oil rendered subjects are meant to be more thought provoking and insightful.

The often-unnoticed natural forms from botanicals are my discovered vision of “seeing”. Frequently nature is lost or overlooked in this hurried world, but when we truly see we can appreciate and understand. My watercolor illustrations are about this tradition of seeing and understanding. By observing the botanical subjects the viewer begins to understand the natural cycle of life. Plants flower, then die back in order for seeds to form and fall to the ground to propagate anew. In addition, I am dedicated to preserving the tradition of botanical art, along with the techniques and materials used in the past.

Jack Kornfield, one of Americas leading Buddhist teachers states, “There is beauty to be found in the changing of the earth’s seasons, and an inner grace in honoring the cycles of life.” This life cycle is an inspiration for my works in oil. I focus on botanical subjects and the shadow they cast. These shadows, which are often as important as the botanical subjects they stem from, speak of the passing of time and act as an important narrative of life, death, and rebirth. My recent work titled, “The Oak”, is an example of this life cycle. The falling leaves and the maturing acorns have a direct correlation with the beautiful grain of the oak panel, on which it is painted. These paintings are about the passing of time and seeing the detail. As viewers we can see the beauty, the color, and the magic of nature and understand our world. I find these words of Mata Amritanandamayi inspiriting:

~ “Life is like a garden. Quite naturally, leaves wither and flowers fade. Only if we clear the decay of the past then and there can we really enjoy the beauty of the new leaves and flowers… Let us embrace life with renewed vigor. We should be able to face every moment of life with renewed expectation, like a freshly blossomed flower.”