Priyanka Kumar on Incorporating Art Into Her Nature Writing

Priyanka Kumar, a nature writer, has found a unique way to incorporate art into her work by sketching the animals she writes about. During a snowy winter afternoon, while trying to photograph a coyote, the coyote slipped out of view and appeared more elusive on camera. This led Priyanka to begin sketching the animal on the spot, resulting in a Cubist art piece that captured the coyote's essence.

This coyote sketch became a key element in her new book, The Grassland Queen, which focuses on the lives of animal communities in American grasslands, specifically the long-billed curlew, the largest shorebird in North America.

Priyanka's decision to draw the curlews came after realizing that black-and-white photographs wouldn't provide the emotional resonance she desired. Having a background in art and field sketching, she felt that drawing the curlews would allow her to convey the intimate moments she experienced while observing them. Despite the pressure of a looming deadline, Priyanka committed to completing the artwork within three to four weeks.

Her initial attempts at drawing the curlews were not successful, but as she dedicated more time to the task, particularly in the mornings, she found herself becoming fully engaged in the process.

With each passing day, Priyanka noticed a shift in her approach to drawing the curlews. She entered a state of pure creativity, allowing her pencil to move freely without overthinking her work. Ultimately, the curlews seemed to respond to her efforts, prompting her to delve deeper into their world. As she sketched the bird's distinctive eight-inch-long bill, she began to contemplate its significance beyond its practical function of digging for crustaceans.

The crescent-moon arc of the bill became a source of fascination and contemplation for Priyanka, raising questions about its deeper meaning and symbolism.