Power of light

Ishara JAYAWARDANE

Since the age of five she has been an artist and looks at life in her own unique way which is simply captivating when transferred to the canvas. With the brush in her hands and the canvas before her she works magic. With her brush and the canvas she is spellbinding. She is Yasmine Buckman, an artist with the golden touch.

“I believe that in every human heart there is hope for the better. In darkness there is very little color but when there is light we are able to see depth and colour, which can be elements of positive change. So most of my work that will be presented at the exhibition, has this distinct thread,” said Yasmine.

Yasmine Buckman was born into a traditional Muslim family. “My family was conservative but not at all extreme. My family has supported my career as an artist in many ways. My parents encouraged me to keep painting and my uncle Fareed was my mentor and friend.”

Yasmine lost her husband Zaman earlier on in her life. Zaman was and is still the love her life and his memory continues to inspire her. In her words ;“His loss made me stronger and this radiates through my work. Mirshad is her only son and is the joy of her life. “I have enjoyed watching him grow and am proud for who he is. Having him in my life has made me a stronger person and all the sacrifices are worth it.”

Describing herself as a free spirit she describes her paintings as a blend of realism and abstract art. Nature and its beauty but also sometimes its ferocity; sounds of music, especially blues, jazz and rock tunes has been the greatest influence on her life. “Freedom for me is to be the kind of person I want to be, in an equal and just world, living close to nature and smiling faces. It is about surrounding myself with positive vibes.”

She also added that drawing to her is a creative impulse. “I draw from the mind's eye and let the image grow on the canvas. I don't have a memorable painting as such. But each of them are fragments of my memory and comes from deep down my soul. I love drawing movement and light, and I try to work this passion into all my paintings.”