Art is a beautiful language, a story understood by those who have the same passion. There are many reasons why we paint, for some it is pleasurable, for others it is a stress reliever, for some art can be a life saver. Our artist in conversation today is a wonderful lady who took it upon herself to create a beautiful collection of abstract art for a worthy cause. She plans to raise awareness on mental health and work towards improving the lives of those suffering from such issues in Sri Lanka. Dinusha T. Jayawardene is our artist in conversation today and we are privileged to bring this interview to you.
I have been painting since my
childhood. I studied art when I was small and I always had a flare painting from
watercolors and chalk. When at school, I remember I could paint or draw better
than my peers, I think the encouragement I received from my younger days,
helped me become a good artist. After my schooling ended, I developed a knack
to create greeting cards and when it was possible, to paint on canvas.
My surroundings helped me to
become an artist. My mum is a painter and I believe it is her influence which
pushed me in the direction of art. I was once told, that my Grandma had
questioned my mother as to why she sold a painting. There are some who find it
difficult to let go of their art, but as for me I always think art is something
to be shared and the tendency is to display my work.
Yes, I studied art the
Sapumal Foundation and followed Cora-Abraham Art classes as well. I believe
that having interests other than what we are primarily engaged in, adds color
to our lives. I write when time permits as I am working on creating awareness
on the importance of mental health to alleviate stigma in society. I also read
and travel when possible. All of these help me to create some wonderful pieces
of abstract art in color as I draw from my surroundings.
To begin my story, it is in
2016/2017 that I first started working on a collection and up to 2021, I have
created 12 pieces of art. The main reason to create this collection is to raise
funds to improve the lives of those with mental illness in Sri Lanka. I know
what it feels like to be in a helpless position, as I suffered from a mental
health breakdown. Looking back, I have realized that I used very dark, earthy
shades at the beginning and later on when I was in the process of recovery, I
have used brighter shades. Art, for me, is very personal, it is what is in your
mind and how you perceive things. There is a beautiful relationship between our
mental health and creativity, they are almost intertwined. I myself observe the
difference between how I used to be and how I am today through the art I have
created.
As I mentioned before, there
is a positive connection between art and mental health. I have come to realize
that it is a good form of relaxation as I work full time.
I plan to raise a substantial
amount for mental health awareness through the sales of this collection. I
partnered with Aartzy in 2020, yet I have not been able to generate a sale as
yet. So I will continue to paint for a considerable amount of time, until my
goals have been reached.
I consider myself an abstract
artist and I use of lot of color in my paintings. My inclination is to become a
colorist, even though certain periods in my life have shown otherwise. Abstract
art is very individualistic and personal. I think, art is something to be
shared and admired. It is a gift or a talent and those who receive it should
decide what and how you choose to work with it.
It's refreshing that there is
an online platform like Aartzy that is globally accessible to both professional
and amateur artists, especially those who pursue art professionally/ as a hobby
in Sri Lanka have an avenue to showcase their works globally. I remember
speaking to Aartzy founder, Janaka Perera in 2020 and explaining that my aim in
showcasing my artwork on Aartzy would be a little different from the norm as
it's for a charitable cause, and he was accommodating- I have found working
with Aartzy a pleasant experience.
Manesha Pieris (2022)