Art combines with life
Ruwini Jayawardana
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Elapata’s works
* Shiva Nataraj - the Silencer Heads are
cast in cement supported by a metal frame,
* Wire Woman - made of aluminium, copper
and brass wire
* Pregnant Teenager - a sculpture made
using cement applied directly onto a frame made of regifoam
* Egg Lamps cast in resin
* Rather Fat Woman in glazed terracotta
* Melting Men – cast in cement
* Breast plates – painted terracotta
*Starving – cast in bronze
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Sunethra Bandaranaike viewing the exhibits |
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Rather fat woman. Pictures by Saman Sri Wedage |
There was creativity and inspiration everywhere. The work on display
on tables and adoring the walls all suggested one thing. Here is an
artiste who had worked on her imaginations and had come up with a
variety of creations which were out of the traditional mould.
Indeed the work which were showcased at Gandhara Gallery, 28,
Stratford Avenue, Kirulapone, Colombo, set stage for a whole new
experience for those with an artistic streak when they stepped into the
venue.
She may have toyed with the subject pretty late in life but Ianthe
Elapata’s work does not disclose this fact. A student of the Colombo
Academy of Art, a school of painting, drawing, sculpture and pottery and
working under renowned sculptor, painter, bronze caster, potter and
Visual and Performing Arts University Senior Lecturer Dr. Sarath
Chandrajeewa, Elapata was able to learn the tricks of the trade and
develop the techniques to enhance her inner creative streak.
“Art had always been my passion but it was a very time consuming
subject. I had to give priority to other aspects in life before
indulging in my favourite pastime,” she confessed.
She was able to experiment with different media at the school and
developed her own style. According to her this ‘style’ is ever evolving.
She has yet to decide on her favorite medium.
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Pottery work made to resemble breasts |
She showcased around 35 pieces at the exhibition. All the pieces were
made over the years using cement, metal, wire, resin, terracotta
(painted, and glazed) and bronze.
“I keep thinking of all the pieces I want to make and all the
techniques I want to master and looking back I wish I had been able to
spend more time working on sculpture instead of having to ‘fit it in’
between work and children. But then some of my inspiration did arise
from work and my children would always be ready to model when I am stuck
with a difficult body part!” she concluded with a smile. |
