STORY BEHIND THE ART OF Damodar Lal Gurjar

25th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Wave Hill

Papaya Tree

Carica papaya

This is a botanical study of the papaya tree (Carica papaya) combining scientific accuracy and a sophisticated aesthetic sense with an artistic arrangement highlighting shapes and textural features. The creative composition incorporates a great deal of visual information: the papaya tree; fruits, one at an early stage and another at a later stage of ripening; and leaves at various angles.

The entire tree has medicinal properties that make papaya a great option to choose as a subject to represent Indian botany. As an artist, I have led an exciting life dabbling in the natural world. During my career I have reinvented myself through different art forms. My love for art and nature has brought me to amazing places like a mountain range in Jaipur, where we planted many organic and ayurvedic plants used for medicine. I grew this papaya tree and I have used parts of it a few times previously as my botanical subjects. 

Amidst the growing concerns of climate change and habitat destruction, I work with conservation groups to enhance public awareness of the spectacle and fragility of nature. I create my art to share with people in hopes of educating them that all things are interconnected. I approach my work with wonder, recording both beauty and scientific detail. I aim to preserve a natural record of the earth’s plants. 

I have never been a purist in my approach. I work in many different mediums such as watercolor, tempera, and gouache. I often combine approaches in a unique way and apply techniques self-taught from the tradition of Rajasthan miniature art. 

Next Story

Back to List

Read more about this artist's work: Abundant Future