Can you start by giving us an overview of your practice and what led you to explore the intersection of biodiversity loss, endangered species, and care? 

Scratchboarding, with its precision and ability to capture intricate details, has become my way of illustrating the complex beauty of the animal kingdom. As a self-taught artist, my journey with this medium has been a continuous adventure—one filled with lots of learning and experimentation. I enjoy exploring how individual species can be portrayed, often blending them together to create a richer, more meaningful narrative. At its core, scratchboarding is all about contrast—using shading and highlighting to bring out different textures. As I started experimenting with combining different animals, I realized that this medium could be a powerful way to show how everything in nature is interconnected. The diversity of the animal kingdom is quite vast and incredible, so through my work, I try to highlight how species and even ecosystems are deeply connected. 

My admiration and passion for animals has always been a big part of who I am, driving me to learn about different species—especially those that often go unnoticed because they’re rare or live in isolated habitats. This personal quest to connect more deeply with the natural world led me to get involved in conservation efforts, where I discovered various platforms that compile research and data on species and their conservation status. Since launching my art initiative in 2023, I’ve made it my mission to bring these often-overlooked creatures into the spotlight, giving them the recognition and appreciation they deserve. Through my work, I strive not only to highlight their struggles but also to foster a broader awareness and deeper compassion for all forms of life, no matter their location, population size, or appearance. 

My art motto, ‘Scratching the Surface to Unlock Nature's Canvas,’ reflects my aspiration to celebrate the untapped beauty of this planet and its inhabitants. 

Your statement mentions that your “mission as an artist is to shine a light on the incredible diversity of species that share our planet.” How do you implement this mission within your practice? 

To date, I’ve incorporated 133 different species into my work, many of which are unknown to the general public or haven’t been seen in the wild for years. The incredible diversity of life around us often goes unnoticed, yet every creature plays a vital role in our ecosystems. As I continue to expand my practice and portfolio, my goal is to include as many species as possible, paying homage to their existence and bringing their stories to light. 

Whether my work results in one person learning about a species they never knew existed, or it memorializes a creature on one of my boards, each piece is a step closer to fostering inclusive conservation advocacy. Additionally, I often blend different species together into a single piece, which I see as a metaphor for biodiversity itself—how different species are intricately intertwined and interdependent. Recognizing this interconnectedness is crucial, as it reminds us of the importance of preserving the delicate balance of life on our planet. 

Ripple of Extinction by Julia Samson. Image courtesy of Julia Samson

What can you tell us about your art initiative, SulitScratch, which aims to amplify the work of conservation programs worldwide? 

SulitScratch is an art initiative I launched in 2023 when I began my journey as a wildlife artist. To give my work a more focused purpose, I started this initiative to honor and highlight the incredible efforts of conservation organizations around the world. My goal is to create pieces that not only celebrate their vital work but also raise awareness about the species they strive to protect. 

As I build my portfolio and establish myself as an emerging wildlife artist, I’m developing a plan to collaborate more closely with a conservation organization that aligns with my mission of bringing endangered species to light. This partnership will allow me to focus my art on species that are critically in need of attention, ensuring their stories are told and their conservation efforts supported. 

I have donated several pieces to organizations dedicated to conserving various species groups, including marine life, birds, and more. My aim is to deepen these collaborations by working with these organizations to incorporate more of the species they classify as endangered or at risk into my artwork. This will not only highlight these species but also help amplify the vital work these organizations are doing on a global scale. 

A particular aspect of your practice is incorporating lesser-known species into your work due to their endemism and limited exposure. How do you select the species to feature in your art, and what do you hope to achieve by expanding public knowledge about these lesser-known species? 

When selecting species to feature in my artwork, I typically start with a geographic focus, choosing a specific country or region. From there, I use resources like the IUCN Red List and the ZSL EDGE of Existence list to identify critically endangered or endangered species within that scope. This process allows me to incorporate a diverse range of species into my pieces, particularly those that are lesser-known due to their endemism and limited exposure. 

My goal in featuring these species is to expand public knowledge and awareness. I believe that even just circulating the names of these species on different platforms and among my friends and followers can spur an impact. Awareness brings recognition, and recognition can eventually inspire action.

To further this goal, I intend to create a repository / information tab on my website. This would provide detailed information on the species featured in each art piece, allowing viewers to self-educate and explore the sources I reference during my selection process. 

While society often has a natural affinity for certain well-known species, usually due to their frequent exposure in everyday life, I believe art can serve as a bridge to the less familiar. By bringing these lesser-known species to life through my work, I hope to foster a connection between the audience and these creatures that might otherwise go unnoticed. This connection is crucial, as it not only broadens our understanding of biodiversity but also reinforces the idea that all species, regardless of their fame, play an important role in our ecosystem. 

At Last Glance - Distinct and Dwindling by Julia Samson. Image courtesy of Julia Samson

Could you tell us more about your collaboration with UK-based global conservation organizations and how it has impacted your artistic approach and the reach of your message? 

I'm currently working with a UK-based global conservation organization that’s dedicated to protecting some of the world’s most endangered and unique species, many of which don’t always get the attention they deserve. I was really drawn to this organization because of its holistic approach—not just to protecting these species, but to celebrating all forms of life. 

What really stands out to me is their focus on building solutions through local expertise. By empowering local conservationists to take the lead, they’re tackling both the environmental and social sides of conservation, making sure their work is sustainable and truly benefits the communities involved. 

This collaboration has had a significant impact on how I approach my art, inspiring me to feature these extraordinary yet vulnerable species in my work. Through this partnership, I aim to bring attention to these amazing creatures and the crucial conservation efforts that protect them. As our collaboration continues to grow, I’m excited to use art as a powerful lever to share their vital work and connect with even more people. 

As a full-time professional in Sustainable Finance at an Investment Bank, how does your work in finance inform and intersect with your dedication to environmental causes through your art? 

In my role in sustainable finance, I focus on mobilizing capital for projects that make a real impact, like those aimed at conserving nature and biodiversity. I work with clients to structure financial solutions that support their environmental and social goals, helping them reduce their environmental footprint. It’s a top-down approach, where I help support large corporations and institutions in aligning their financing strategies with their sustainability goals.

On the flip side, my art gives me a personal and creative way to connect with biodiversity and natural capital. It’s my own way of making a difference, from the ground up. The intersection of my career and my art has brought a unique synergy to my life. While my finance work enables large-scale change by funding and supporting conservation efforts, my art touches individuals and communities in a more personal way. Through it, I aim to raise awareness and help people feel more connected to the natural world. 

Together, these two aspects of my life—finance and art—allow me to contribute to environmental conservation in a holistic and fulfilling way. My art complements the broader impact of my finance work by offering a direct, hands-on approach that focuses on the species and ecosystems that need our attention. 

Fragile Footprint by Julia Samson. Image courtesy of Julia Samson

Can you tell us more about your submitted work, "Fragile Footprint"? 

"Fragile Footprint" is a reflection on the destructive impact humanity has had on the natural world. As our mark on the planet deepens and spreads, the faces of species and the spaces where they can flourish continue to diminish. Our environmental footprint—marked by relentless habitat destruction and unchecked resource consumption—has placed immense strain on the planet’s ecosystems. This disruption has led to the loss of countless species, destabilized ecological balance, and triggered a dramatic decline in biodiversity. The piece serves as a visual reminder of the many lives at stake, both directly and indirectly, due to our actions. 

The artwork features 24 critically endangered species endemic to Indonesia, each listed by the IUCN as facing an imminent threat of extinction. These species are also part of the Zoological Society of London's (ZSL) EDGE of Existence program, which focuses on species that are not only critically endangered but also evolutionarily distinct, making them irreplaceable components of global biodiversity. 

Each species depicted in "Fragile Footprint" is a testament to the resilience of life on Earth, but also a stark reminder of its fragility in the face of human activity. My goal is to evoke a sense of urgency and responsibility, encouraging viewers to reflect on the lasting impacts of our environmental choices and to support conservation efforts that can help protect these extraordinary species from extinction. 

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of SulitScratch and your art initiatives in raising awareness for biodiversity conservation? How do you hope to continue making a meaningful impact through your art in the years to come? 

As I look to the future of SulitScratch, my goal is to broaden the scope of my work to include a wider range of species groups, while also incorporating more abstract concepts to deliver powerful messages about biodiversity. I don't have a set goal for the number of species I want to

feature in my portfolio by a specific date, but I aim to include as many as possible. I am still learning my craft and honing my skills, so the upcoming projects I have planned will challenge and push my artistic capabilities, but I’m excited to take them on as I remain committed to giving back to our natural world. 

Additionally, I plan to deepen my collaboration with the UK-based conservation organization, exploring ways to amplify their message and impact through art. Ultimately, my vision for SulitScratch is to continue evolving as both an artistic and advocacy platform, contributing to a global movement that values and protects our natural world and its inhabitants that desperately need our attention. I hope my work will inspire others to appreciate and protect the incredible diversity of life on our planet. 

Kalikasan Kapwa by Julia Samson. Image courtesy of Julia Samson

Do you believe that engaging in artistic expression is a mode of nurturing? If so, what are the reasons behind this perspective? 

At its core, artistic expression is about nurturing—taking your thoughts and ideas and turning them into something tangible. I see this nurturing process happening in three key ways: deepening the creator’s perspective, honoring the subject, and enriching the viewer’s experience. 

Nurturing the creator’s perspective: 

As a wildlife artist, creating art deepens my connection to the natural world and strengthens my commitment to conservation. It heightens my awareness of our planet, fuels my passions, and fosters personal growth, all while enhancing my appreciation for the subjects I aim to capture. 

Nurturing the subject: 

Art gives the subject the attention and respect it deserves. In my work, the animals or concepts I depict come to life, honoring their significance and revealing their unique beauty or complexity. 

Nurturing external perspectives: 

Art also nurtures the viewer’s perspective by inviting them to connect with the work on a deeper level. This connection can foster empathy, provoke thought, and inspire new ways of seeing the world, enriching their understanding and emotional engagement. 

In essence, artistic expression nurtures not just the creator, but also the subject and the viewer, making it a deeply holistic and impactful practice.

What message or call to action would you like to leave our readers with? 

Our planet is at a tipping point—species are disappearing right before our eyes, and art may soon be the only way to keep their memory alive. But our decisions and actions can shape the fate of those that remain, and together, we have the ability to protect and restore the natural world, a gift we should cherish, for future generations across the animal kingdom.

Know more about the artist here.

Cover image:

Feathered Fusion by Julia Samson. Image courtesy of Julia Samson