Thrity (3t) Vakil
Thrity Vakil’s journey into the world of art wasn’t paved with traditional influences or a strong familial push towards creativity. "I didn’t really grow up in an environment that highly valued art or writing," she recalls. While her mother was an avid reader who encouraged a love for books, the artistic spark in Thrity ignited in her own way. "I always loved animals as a child and was drawn to drawing them," she shares. Growing up in Kenya, the everyday presence of wildlife became her muse from an early age. A pivotal moment came when she was just six years old: "I asked my brother to draw me a lion, and when he refused, I got so upset that I decided to draw it myself. That’s where it all began."
A Life Shaped by Creative Exploration
Thrity’s formal education led her to pursue a Bachelor’s in Three-Dimensional Theatre Design, a field that perfectly married her love for literature with her creative talents. "Theatre design allowed me to read, direct, perform, and then design costumes and sets, including painting backdrops for theatre productions," she explains. This background not only honed her artistic skills but also opened doors to a life of varied experiences. "My theatre experience in England helped me maintain my artistic practice no matter where I was—whether on a ship at sea or living in the rainforest."
For Thrity, art has always been a means of exploring abstract concepts and bringing them to life. While she doesn’t experiment much with different genres, she has developed a few distinct styles, primarily working with acrylics. "I experiment with how the paint interacts with various surfaces," she says, adding that her work often features recurring brushstrokes and flourishes that make it distinctly hers.
Drawing Inspiration from the Rainforest
Living in the rainforest has profoundly influenced Thrity’s work. "Everything I paint is like a diary of my life," she notes. Surrounded by the vibrant colors, intricate textures, and diverse forms of the natural world, she finds endless inspiration in her environment. "Some of my recent pieces were inspired by wood lying in the soil since Hurricane Maria," she shares. Observing how different hardwoods have survived or decayed over time has provided her with incredible detail and inspiration for her works, such as ‘Umbracala sylvaticus’ and ‘Lignum laceratum.’
Each piece is more than just a reflection of nature; it’s an exploration of resilience and renewal. In ‘Lignum laceratum,’ for instance, she captures the dramatic contrast between destruction and the tenacious grip on life, using dark, torn textures to represent the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria while also highlighting the stubborn underlayers of trees that refused to yield. "This artwork delves deep into the essence of resilience and regeneration," she says.
The Creative Process: Rituals and Routines
Before starting her creative work, Thrity follows a specific routine. "I clean my space, prepare my brushes, and clear my mind. Lighting incense and making a cup of Earl Grey tea help me get into the right mindset," she explains. This ritual is essential for creating the cozy, focused environment she needs to channel her creativity.
Her creative life, however, is far from typical. "I work on many different tasks in the rainforest, constantly interacting with plants, collecting seeds, conducting surveys, and observing everything with an artist's eye," she shares. Every day is unique, and she finds that these varied experiences feed directly into her art.
Overcoming Creative Blocks
Even with a deep connection to her environment, Thrity isn’t immune to creative blocks. "I handle creative blocks by writing, doodling, and working on paper," she says. Experimenting with acrylics and inks on paper helps her get the creative flow back. "Writing poetry and keeping a journal also help," she adds, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to her creative practice even when inspiration wanes.
A Message Rooted in Nature
While Thrity’s work doesn’t deliver a specific message, it is deeply connected to nature. "I hope my paintings inspire people to think about nature and advocate for the health of our biosphere," she says. Her aim is to magnify the intricate details of the natural world, allowing viewers to see and appreciate them in a new light.
The past year has been particularly fulfilling for Thrity. "Since April 2024, I’ve been painting every single day, completing 56 paintings," she shares. The ease and joy with which the muse has guided her during this time have been immensely rewarding.
Looking Ahead: Aspirations and Future Projects
As she looks to the future, Thrity aspires to exhibit her latest series and work on larger panels and installations. "I want to find and afford studio space where I can create bigger pieces," she says, adding that staying true to her creative vision is paramount. "My work is almost a shamanic outpouring," she explains. "I have no choice but to stay true to whatever is coming through me." Thrity’s connection to her environment, particularly the rainforest, is not just a backdrop for her work; it’s an integral part of her creative process. "Living in the rainforest, I recharge by walking in the rain, going to the river, or simply walking through the forest," she says. This deep connection to nature is what fuels her art and allows her to continue creating work that resonates with the resilience and beauty of the world around us.
For those just starting out on their artistic journey, Thrity offers simple yet powerful advice: "Just do it. Whatever it is you want to do, make the space, find the time, get the materials, and do it every single day."
As Thrity Vakil continues to explore and expand her artistic practice, her work remains a vibrant celebration of nature’s intricate beauty and the enduring resilience of life. Through her paintings, she invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world—one brushstroke at a time. See her featured artwork here.
