Artist statement
As a botanical artist my interest is illustrating plants that have medicinal uses. My current research focuses on phytochemicals found in plants, and the positive epigenetic changes they can have on people, such as longevity and anti inflammation.
Plants protect us down to a cellular level, so there is no question that we should protect them. In a time of ecological distress and a fast paced digital world, drawing and painting botanical subjects from life provide a space for seated meditation. This practice is a vital reminder to me that humans and plants are intrinsically connected.
Through the accuracy of rendering texture, shadow, and color taught at the New York Botanical Garden, my visual work speaks a language the science community recognizes. It is exciting to be able to communicate so many details, and apply plant morphology skills to paper. Currently, my media of focus are watercolor, and graphite. My thesis involves observing bioactive components of plants under the microscope, drawing their habit, and organizing these elements into a scientific plate.
My vision for this body of work is to contribute to research articles, and to display the artwork in naturopathic and acupuncture offices. This work may serve as an educational reference for individuals to learn about medicinal plants. All in all, I hope my work compels people to get outside and gain a more tactile, edible, healing and spiritual connection to plants.
Biography
Nina Petrochko is a Connecticut based botanical illustrator, focusing on medicinal plants. She holds a BFA in Sculpture and Drawing from Maine College of Art and Design. Nina is a member of the Connecticut Botanical Society, an avid hiker, and herbalist. Her great grandfather, paleobotanist Arthur Hollick’s paintings are housed in the Mertz library at NYBG.
She engages with the natural world through observation, and translates this knowledge into graphite drawings, watercolor, pen and ink, and frottage printmaking. Nina’s style has been described as peaceful, which is appropriate because the message in her work is to encourage people to slow down, and enjoy the healing properties of plants. Her drawing, Anti Inflammatory Mandala, included ten potent herbs that ease inflammation in the body. It was exhibited at Maine College of Art’s Alumni Triennial, and Immuneschein Tea Haus in Rosendale, New York.
Nina embarked on a residency to the French Alps where she studied and illustrated the mountain flora in the village, Bonnevaux. She joined a group of local herbalists on a walk to become familiar with wild herbs and plants unique to the region. Her final pen and ink drawings were exhibited at a local restaurant, where she gave a talk on her creative process. This residency was a launching point for Nina’s Certificate studies at the New York Botanical Garden.
Affiliations & Memberships
American Society of Botanical Artists
Tri-State Botanical Artists
Guild of Natural Science Illustrators
Connecticut Botanical Society
American Herbalist Guild