Madhushree Kamak is perhaps one of the few in India who can address themselves as scientific illustrators. I interviewed her about her journey and the challenges she’s faced while fulfilling her aspirations.
Madhushree is trained in biological sciences at the TIFR, Mumbai. It was there itself that she started drawing and sketching science for her laboratory. Her mentor Dr. Sandhya P. Koushika encouraged her to not only delve into science but also fulfill her creative pursuits. She soon found herself drawing illustrations and generating schematics for her presentation and posters, and, with time they were appreciated. Madhushree’s lab mates recognizing her potential started making requests for their own illustrations. The news of her elegant and artistic skill spread across departments and requests for illustrations were lining up in no time. Such an exposure made Madhushree realize that active research may not be her only option forward. She was fortunate to not only have a supportive mentor, but also that she worked with C. elegans. The C.elegans community has always encouraged the fusion of science and art. Madhushree received international exposure when she grabbed the opportunity to exhibit her illustration at the Worm art show of the 2015 C. elegans International Meeting at the UCLA. The adulation and encouragement propelled her further.
DNA by Madhushree
The time that Madhushree spent in giving out favors not only helped her realize her passion for scientific illustration, but also an increment in scientific knowledge. What struck me the most during our conversation was her unquenchable zest to learn. Although she didn’t receive any formal art training, she found a teacher in YouTube and acquired many useful skills for illustrations and animations.
Upon finishing her masters studies, she pursued a career in scientific illustration. She formed a one woman freelance scientific illustration company called MaverInk. Her own shares of challenges for sustainable work are no less. While scientists and editors do appreciate her talent, she is yet to attract enough tasks to bolster her career. It has been hard, yet she has also realized that there’s an empty niche in India, and she hopes to take it forth and build it up. Over the last few months, her networking efforts have borne fruit and she has been able to approach suitable clients hoping that it soon turns into a viable option.
Being someone who aims to pursue similar goals as Madhushree, I am compelled to express my admiration in her willingness to share ideas, and collaborate. In his book, Give and Take, Adam Grant pointed out that it is in the win of such givers that the whole community celebrates and there are no losers. As for me, I’ll forever be her cheerleader and admirer.
