Let's go eco-fashion!

Nilma DOLE

"The reason why the batik industry isn't successful is because artists blamed it on the fact that dyes were expensive but we should think of natural alternatives that are available in plenty courtesy Mother Nature", said renowned fashion guru, Senaka de Silva.

The leading fashion designer, choreographer, photographer and master artisan said that in the olden days, our ancestors had used natural vegetable dyes that have lasted for centuries (like the Sigiriya frescoes) and artists of today blame the rising cost of chemical dyes that are not even good for the health.

Vijitha Senaka de Silva used to paint and delve in matters pertaining to the art ever since he was 13 years old.

Today, he is making artistic designs using onion peel, kotamba leaves, banana leaves, mangosteen skins, coffee and tea, proving that anything is possible if you invent and discover colours in the funniest places, including vegetables. "I had a quite a time sweeping kotamba leaves and found it difficult to remove the stubborn stains on the granite tiles so I thought it best to get some benefit by harnessing natural dye from it", Senaka said.

Senaka said that various geo-textile designs and handicrafts that are now becoming near-extinct have to be revived. "It's such a shame that one of our best crafts are silt-painted terracotta ornaments which are hardly ever made and the younger generation should take after to preserve it".

Artistic handicrafts

There are artistic handicrafts like batik designing that have been in existence that have been influenced by other countries. "For example, the coil technique was used by Africans and Indonesians at the same time it was used by our ancestors in handicrafts like 'Rush and Reed', handloom and handicrafts using coconut leaves, husks and shells", said Senaka, who studied at the Kelaniya University's Aesthetic Studies department which used to be called Heywood School of Fine Arts.

"It's unfortunate that we still import our saris from India but we have a wealth of good hand-woven (handloom) and batik designed saris that have been made locally which are works of art with delicate lace, beralu and even special gold workings", he said. Further, he highlighted that in the olden days, Sri Lanka's royalty wore real gold threads in their saris and costumes which made them heavier reflecting how our creative our artists are.

In addition to this, the batik dyed clothes will last for generations and it is evident that those colours are still preserved when you see our cave paintings and frescoes.

"With modern technology becoming easier for people to design, our younger generation are becoming lazier by not taking after us and so our handicrafts are becoming extinct", noted Senaka who has studied all aspects of art including sculpting, painting, weaving, pottery and then specializing in ceramic art. "My true love remained for fabric designing and I did batik designing training under Cora Abraham," he said.

Working with the National Crafts Council, Senaka is also the Design Development Consultant to 'Laksala', the local handicrafts enterprise. "I also plan to help put Sri Lankan art firmly on the map with an Eco-Village at Erambukudal in the Puttalam District which is a community development project through a textile and handicraft center", Senaka said who has also held stunning fashion shows around the world including the much recent Miss Sri Lanka 2009 contest where he designed Sigiriya Apsara costumes for the contestants to reflect the traditional local dress sense.

"My advice to the younger artistic generation is to study and learn art the proper way. Know your basics and have a good foundation," he said. Further he advised, "You need a good perspective and developing your skills more than the traditional norm is vital". Of course, there is no such thing as 'wrong art', everything in art is right provided you do it with a good heart.

Speaking about the batik industry, Senaka said that it is possible to use vegetable natural dyes to create good batik arts and chemicals needed be used all the time. "By using the waste, peel and skins of vegetables and fruits, we will also be minimizing the garbage problem in Sri Lanka," he said.

Hand made batik is becoming more popular which involves a process that requires the application of a wax resist to cloth which is then dyed. Choosing the right kind of art work, skilled waxing, selection and use of appropriate colours make each hand-made batik a unique work of art. In the southern town of Rekawa, former women coral miners have turned to this art form to highlight the beauty of nature and wildlife including protecting their turtles that come to the shore to nest. Batik design is definitely an art that is in the best interests of the heart of Sri Lanka!

Uplifting the Batik Industry

Many people are involved in giving a uplifting Sri Lanka's batik industry with their own line of batik designs including dynamic family duo Buddhi and Darshi Keerthisena who have put their label of batik clothing with a twist of modernity and community development. Craft Council Chairman Buddhi Keerthisena said that they are gradually introducing batik into local fashion study courses to give a fresh outlook to the ancient art.

"Hopefully, we will get more super models to strut the world's catwalks in our designs", Buddhi said.

This is true because award-winning designer Darshi Keerthisena has been getting some leading Sri Lankan ladies to wear Sri Lankan designs internationally, including former Miss Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez which has been well-received. She has taken the ramp by storm by making saris fashionable and dazzling with a bit of batik brace to it.

Some designers like Laki Senanayake have added geo-textiles by adding accessories like coconut shell belts and ethnic wear to their batik design to enhance dress image.

A few Sri Lankan designers have taken batik creations one step further with renowned batik artist Pushpadewa Dharmawardena painting even furniture to give a better look. Speaking about his creations, he said, "We have to be inventive when it comes to batik art because we have plenty of competition from South East Asia. However, Sri Lankan art is unique and diverse and has the potential to be worn internationally because of its natural beauty".

Plenty of batik talent is prevalent in Sri Lanka making it a highly potential market hence it is vital to give them a helping hand.

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Batik brought back: Nilma DOLE

Fascinating colours,
An intricate myriad,
Tempting in lustre,
Opening a door to lore.

Patterns in mosaic,
Penetrating and pulsating,
Creating character,
Personality brought from within.

Sarongs, skirts, dresses, ties,
Hot wax and dyes,
Carve a shape so desirable,
Working a dream so memorable.

People on holiday or at a party,
Like to wear the colour of calm,
Sculpted with glamour,
Modeled to perfection.

Pure and relaxing,
Mesmerizing batik,
Fabric and colour,
To make you tick.

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