To say that Carl D’Silva was dedicated to his work would
perhaps be an understatement. He loved, lived and breathed every moment of it.
Sincerity stoked this passion for wildlife in an over 30-year tenure. It was a
passion that took him to the peak. Acclaimed as India’s leading wildlife artist
whose rich repertoire of ornithological illustrations is unsurpassed in India
and acknowledged throughout the world, he was one of the most sought-after
artists for field guides with several best-selling guides to his credit. The
secret to his success lay in the fact that though he studied fine arts, he
trained as a scientific naturalist through a system of intensive wildlife
research, dedicating a substantial amount of time to field work and
documentation. To him, history and wildlife went hand in hand. For him, having
Salim Ali as his mentor was his greatest blessing and he had the honour of
illustrating several of his books. As Carl passes on, he leaves behind a rich
legacy that few can emulate.
“Carl was one of the finest artists I have known,” recalls
fellow artist and friend Victor Hugo, who hosted Carl’s last exhibition, ‘Wild
and Free’, in December 2014 at Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim. “His knowledge and
understanding about birds was extensive. Whenever I wanted to know about a
certain bird, I just had to give him a sketchy description and he would fill in
the details. He not only painted what he saw, but added a depth and dimension
that made the subject come alive. His first exhibition at Gallery Gitanjali was
one of the most refreshing in years. You not only fell in love with the
paintings, but you understood them. It was like walking through nature.” avers
Victor who was equally touched by the Carl’s simplicity and depth of character.
“He was the most accomplished artist and yet his paintings were so affordable
that even a lay person could pick up one. His exhibitions were always sold
out.”
Beyond his art, friends referred to him as a humble man with
a good sense of humour. A taxidermist and drummer, he added a new dimension to
his innings as a wildlife artist. “He was a man who followed his heart and kept
focussed on his work, spending at least half the year out in the jungles
documenting and researching his subjects,” says Victor.
Carl was one of the most sought-after artists for field
guides with several best-selling guides to his credit, he also had the
distinction of being the only Indian whose paintings were selected by the UK
Society of Wildlife Artists to be exhibited at the prestigious Mall Galleries,
London five times in a row.
Quotes
“Recognised extensively as India’s leading wildlife artist,
Carl’s global exposure to the intensely critical community of wildlife artists
and authors had catapulted him to becoming one of the most sought after artists
for Field Guides. His contribution to the field of ornithological illustrations
is peerless. He has left behind an incredible body of works, rich in detail and
observation.
His exhibition ‘Feathers and Fur ‘ was an unprecedented success
and proved to be a wonderful opportunity for naturalists, wildlife enthusiasts,
collectors and children to meet Carl and learn about the passion and skills
that went into building his reputation. Carl’s demise will be deeply felt in
Goa and the ornithological community at large.”
Miriam Koshy-Sukhija,
Director, Gallery Gitanjali
“Carl was a man of few words, but many virtues. He was
sensitive, intelligent and gentle and he had a talent of bringing this to his
palette and canvas. His contribution was not only immense to the world of art
but in the field of wildlife science and research. His documentation of
paintings of birds was internationally acclaimed. Carl was a friend who cared
and loved and shall be missed more than words can express. His loss is
irreparable. Goa and India has lost not only their finest artist but mentor as
well. ”
Victor Hugo GOmes,
Founder and Curator, Goa Chita and Goa
Chakra Museums
“Carl’s contribution to wildlife is unimaginable. His work
has influenced people not only in India but around the globe. For birders in
Goa, especially the GBCN, of which he was the founder member, he was the most
important source of inspiration. But beyond this he will also be remember as a
jolly and affable person. His expertise in wildlife art, taxidermy and his work
with BNHS, Bombay are well-known. His demise is a great loss, especially for
the GBCN and bird lovers of Goa.”
Pankaj Lad,
Committee Member,
Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN)
