Searching for Sunshine

A thoughtfully researched visual exploration of our connections to nature, and why and how plants and green spaces make us happy.


When illustrator Ishita Jain relocated to the visually overwhelming and concrete-filled New York City from New Delhi, India, she found solace in its parks and gardens, and started thinking about how important green spaces are in big cities to its residents' sense of escape and peace. In Searching for Sunshine, Jain follows her curiosity and creativity to provide a vibrant compilation of visual essays and interviews centered around the simple yet compelling question of "Why do plants make us happy?"


Whether living in a setting that is urban, rural, or somewhere in between, we can all find solace in the beautifully rendered pages and stories gathered here. Featuring over a dozen conversations with experts and plant-lovers alike, including scientists at the New York Botanical Gardens, groundskeepers at the famed Green-Wood Cemetery, shoppers at the beloved Union Square Greenmarket, a director of NYC Parklands, florists, and more, Jain's exploration of plants in New York City demonstrates how nature is vital to all experiences of our lives.