In an era dominated by synthetic materials and mass production, Udaipur-based artist Pooja Rathore stands apart with her extraordinary project, ‘Studio The Soil’, which transforms natural elements like cow dung, henna, and corn fiber into breathtaking works of art. Through her creations, Pooja bridges the gap between modern lives and the earth, evoking a sense of nostalgia and inspiring eco-conscious creativity.
The Genesis of Studio The Soil
For Pooja Rathore, art is deeply personal, rooted in her childhood memories of playing outdoors, feeling the texture of soil, and breathing in the earthy scents of Rajasthan. Growing up, she was captivated by the mud houses of rural Rajasthan. “The texture of those walls is almost primordial; it cannot be replicated,” she says, recalling her fascination with their raw, natural beauty.
Her love for art was nurtured during her formative years in Jaipur, a city steeped in artistic heritage. Encouraged by her family, Pooja pursued formal training in visual arts at IISU, Jaipur. Yet, she found herself yearning for something beyond conventional art practices. Inspired by online resources and artists like David Kassan, she developed her unique artistic style, eventually embracing natural materials to deepen her connection with the environment.
The COVID-19 lockdown became a turning point. “I was already creating abstract art with natural hues, but I thought, why not use natural materials directly?” she says. This epiphany gave birth to Studio The Soil, where she transforms materials like mud, cow dung, henna, and sawdust into intricate pieces of art.
The Creative Process
Pooja’s work is a harmonious blend of abstraction and natural textures. Each piece begins with basic composition, followed by experimentation with natural pigments and materials. Balancing earthy tones like browns, whites, and greens, she uses unconventional ingredients, including charcoal and corn fibers, to achieve the desired texture and color palette.
Her first artwork, featuring the word “Ram” crafted from cow dung, white charcoal, and husk, marked the beginning of her journey. “It felt like the start of something meaningful,” she reflects.
However, working with natural materials poses unique challenges. Unlike synthetic paints, they often struggle to adhere to canvas. Through trial and error, Pooja discovered that henna is particularly versatile, while cow dung, despite its authenticity, is challenging to work with due to its strong odor. Nevertheless, her perseverance ensures that each piece reflects the unadulterated beauty of Rajasthan’s landscapes.
Art as a Medium to Reconnect With Nature
Pooja’s art goes beyond aesthetics—it serves as a call to reconnect with nature. Her creations, often adorned with earthy textures and minimalist designs, inspire mindfulness and appreciation for the natural world.
Her clients, like Sakshi Kalra, a software developer from Indore, find her work transformative. “When we designed our new home, we wanted art that complemented its earthy, minimalist aesthetic. Pooja’s pieces were perfect—they brought warmth and authenticity into our space,” says Sakshi.
A Voice for Environmental Conservation
Through her work, Pooja also highlights the urgent need for environmental conservation. She believes that rather than planting new trees, we must focus on preserving existing ecosystems.
“We’ve created a concrete barrier between ourselves and the soil,” she observes, pointing out how urbanization disrupts natural water cycles and contributes to flooding. Her art, deeply rooted in sustainability, is a gentle reminder of what humanity stands to lose if it continues down this unsustainable path.
Now a mother, Pooja feels an even stronger responsibility to advocate for a greener future. “I want to leave the world a better place for my child,” she says. Studio The Soil is her way of fostering a deeper bond with nature—encouraging people to step outside, use their hands, and rediscover the joy of being connected to the earth.
A Legacy of Earth-Friendly Creativity
Pooja Rathore’s Studio The Soil is more than just an art project—it’s a movement. By turning humble materials like cow dung and henna into stunning pieces of art, she not only challenges the boundaries of creativity but also advocates for a more mindful and sustainable way of living.
Her journey is a testament to the power of nature-inspired art to heal, ground, and inspire. Through her work, Pooja invites us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us—one earthy, textured masterpiece at a time.