Story behind the art of Viktoriia Kolesnykova

28th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art & Garden Center

Shea tree

Vitellaria paradoxa

Vitellaria paradoxa, known as shea or, in French, karité, is a deciduous tree in the Sapotaceae family and is the only species in the genus Vitellaria. It grows in the savannah from Senegal to Ethiopia and is found in 19 African countries. It plays a key role in traditional agroforestry systems because its roots control soil erosion.

I chose this species because of its economic and cultural importance. I first encountered it through using shea butter body cream—a wonderful emollient long known as a skincare remedy. Upon learning that the shea fruit is used by African tribes as food during times of scarcity, and that the collection and processing of shea sustains many communities in the region, I was struck by the depth of its connection to humans. Its wood is used for construction and the production of charcoal. Interestingly, termites do not damage this tree. Shea plantations are inefficient due to the tree’s long juvenile period, so almost all raw material is harvested from the wild.

Vitellaria paradoxa regenerates slowly and only begins bearing fruit after 10 to 15 years. It is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and is legally protected in many countries.

The tree appears majestic and powerful. Its bark is thick, hard, textured, and fire-resistant. The canopy is dense, and although the tree is deciduous, new foliage appears immediately when the leaves fall. New leaves are rose-tinted and later turn green. The tree embodies both strength and inspiration. It is magnificent yet at risk because it is both useful and susceptible to human interference. What impresses me most is its delicate contrast: the soft creamy bloom reminds me of a luxurious bride: beautiful and captivating.

In this painting, I wanted to focus on the delicacy of a flowering branch. The Arches hot press paper with a creamy texture helped enhance the velvety warmth and naturalness of the flower.

With my work, I wish to convey our deep connection to nature and our responsibility toward it. Nature acts as a mirror of the human psyche, symbolizing adaptability and inner strength through beauty and fragility.

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