A woman with glasses wearing a black and gray headscarf and a white sweater, sitting on a wooden bench in a garden with pink flowers and green bushes.

About the artist

Nova Karmita is an emerging botanical artist and a loving mother originally from Indonesia, now based near the beautiful Lake Taupō in New Zealand’s North Island.

Art has been part of her for as long as she can remember. As a child, she was always drawing; observing small details and finding joy in translating what she saw onto paper. She later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Design at Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia, but it wasn’t until she moved to New Zealand that she truly found her heart in botanical illustration.

Living so close to nature here has changed the way she sees the world. She is especially inspired by the individuality of every flower; the subtle curves of petals, unexpected color harmonies, and the important roles native plants play in maintaining balance within the ecosystem. Artists like Dianne Sutherland and Giacomina Ferrillo have deeply influenced her appreciation for careful study and thoughtful storytelling through art. She is also a full member of the Botanical Art Society of New Zealand (BASNZ) and Indonesian Society of Botanical Artist (IDSBA).

When she is not painting, you’ll find her baking or tending to her garden; small rituals that keep her grounded and inspired. You can follow along her Instagram @bynova_botanicalart for behind-the-scenes glimpses of her latest work.