We recently had the privilege of hosting acclaimed wildlife artist, Emily Lamb, as our artist-in-residence at SUJÁN JAWAI. Emily, the granddaughter of the late conservationist and renowned wildlife artist, David Shepherd, has spent over two decades capturing the essence of the animal kingdom and wild spaces through her evocative paintings. Her work not only celebrates the beauty of wildlife but also highlights the interconnectedness of nature and the urgent need for conservation.

Emily’s journey with SUJÁN began through her close friendship with Anjali Singh, built on a shared passion for art, wildlife, and conservation. This connection has evolved into a meaningful collaboration, rooted in a mutual dedication to protecting India’s natural heritage.

Anjali first reached out to Emily about five years ago to commission pieces for the redesign of SUJÁN Sher Bagh, Ranthambhore, in 2021. Using iconic photographs taken by Anjali of Ranthambhore’s tigers, Emily created a series of mesmerizing artworks for the camp’s Art Collection, now displayed in the main dining tents at Sher Bagh.

Accompanying Emily on this inspiring journey through SUJÁN camps and their surrounding areas was her husband, wildlife photographer Matt Armstrong-Ford, and their two young children. Immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of Jawai, Emily drew inspiration from its unique biodiversity and the harmonious coexistence of local communities with its varied wildlife.

During her stay, Emily set out to create a series of artworks inspired by the enigmatic Jawai landscape and its inhabitants—both human and animal. Her approach

was deeply immersive, spending long hours in the field observing the natural world to capture the essence of the landscape in an authentic and meaningful way.

Your art is deeply connected to conservation, raising awareness of endangered animals and the people who work tirelessly to protect them. Was this always your intention?

"It was never a conscious intention, more an awareness to tell a story——their story. We are lucky to not only share their space but also to have the opportunity to learn from them, to observe their intelligence and their ways. Conservation has become an intrinsic part of that story, simply because humans have imposed themselves on their homelands. That intersection fascinates me."

Your paintings for SUJÁN Sher Bagh and this new project have been inspired by some of Anjali’s photographs. Is that how you often find inspiration?

"From the beginning, our discussions were rooted in the moments she has captured in the wild. Anjali has an incredible eye for movement and dynamic compositions. I love working with such images and we are a very natural fit!"

Emily’s time with us at JAWAI was truly special, and we cannot wait to see how her experiences here translate onto canvas. We look forward to sharing the stunning artworks that will soon emerge, each one celebrating the unique beauty of our home at SUJÁN JAWAI.