Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I have always loved drawing/painting and just playing around with colors ever since I can remember. Passing notes to my friends in class evolved into designed cards or a simple doodle or a handmade gift. Since then I started out by experimenting with different mediums; from doodling, scribbling or painting although lines & shapes on paper with colors splattered around fascinated me the most. I discovered that recycled materials always made whatever I did pop out and as I recall it has always been non-subjective. It has always been more of something that came naturally to me and so I tend to favor abstract art the most. As I grew older, it was more about doing something that I truly enjoyed and so I began my journey. Currently, I work on abstract art and designs and I have recently started doing custom works of art depending on my client’s requirements as long as it fits my style of art.
Your Instagram handle does state the obvious – your style is abstract art. But, how would you describe it in detail?
Hehe yes, I practice abstractive styles with acrylic and basically anything that moves me or touches me. My artistic process is mutable, it changes and evolves; often finding balance along the fine line of thoughtful, intentional composition with the intuitive placement of color, shapes, texture and gestural marks that convey vibrant and uplifting abstract paintings.
A very simple way to understand the essence of abstract art is to think of it as a visual opposite of realistic art. Sometimes, I find a subject that creates a strong emotional response in me. For example, the art piece I exhibited at UV19 is called “Earth Tones”. I used natural colors, so a lot of brown yes! I am deeply concerned about human activities that cause damage (either directly or indirectly) to our environment. The expression goes straight onto the canvas in a non representational statement with lines as well as the aggressive mingling of colors. Many people told me that they thought it was a harbor; they saw a boat, others said it was a forest and there was a river flowing…and I can see what they are seeing. It’s not necessarily how I want it, but it’s not to say that it’s wrong.
Abstract art requires you to have an open, inquiring mind. You must enter the painting and see where it takes you, it gives you the freedom to explore and derive your own meaning from how it speaks to you.
You play a lot with colors, layers and textures. Is there anything in particular that influences your style and approach to a painting ?
That’s right! Colors and textures have always fascinated me. I tend to go more for the practical. I often experiment acrylic on different surfaces, play with looser lines and different color combinations. I love my palette knife: to the wonderful self indulgent experience of just pushing color around; my paintings take on many lives. Creating inspires more creativity. Inspiration isn’t found: it is an everlasting, never ending practice.
Besides your abstract art pieces, you work with different mediums and created a variety of commissioned works such as hand-painted signage boards and even coasters. Could you tell us about the different works you do besides painting.
I collect naturally withered and old wood. hehe . Besides from that I also do graphic works related to sales & marketing on a project basis.
Your clear resin coasters are refreshingly beautiful, with real leaves, bark pieces and dried bougainvillea in them. How do you collect them and are they local flora and fauna?
Thank you for your kind words. I frequently bring the outdoors into my home. I am a habitual collector of recycled items, twigs, leaves and the list goes on. I’ve always loved nature and what it has to offer me. The color transformation process in leaves occurs when their chemical composition changes. When I was in my primary, I used to press the leaves between two absorbent pieces of paper and then flatten it out with a heavy book. But this time I wanted to preserve these vibrant colors as it is, with no color distortions. This is when the idea came to me. To preserve them in resin so I know they are forever sealed. I decided to make clear coasters with resin to capture the beauty of nature. These coasters are part of a series called “Tropical Bliss”. I collected local flora & fauna, not just flowers and leaves but ilaa, bit and pieces from common tropical plants.
Where have your works been exhibited so far?
Unveiling Visions 2019, Fannuge Dharin Festival, Island Beach House and Oevaru Gallery Cafe’. My work has been bought by private collectors as well.
If, say you were not a painter or artist, what would you be doing?
Hmm. This is a very interesting question. Could you please give me a couple of days to sleep on it. Hehe
Any new works from you that we should look forward to?
I am looking forward to exhibit my work in a solo capacity, sometime in the near future. For now, I will keep exploring, pondering and painting, one foot in front of the other. I will share the journey with everyone on my Instagram feed. Stay tuned!
