Juliet Perera, realizes the importance of continuing her passion

Pleasant tasks bring pleasure to anyone who engages in doing so, on daily basis. Handicraft is an art form that is popular in today’s context.

Handicraft, expressed as artisanal handicraft, sometimes called artisanry, a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made completely by hand or using only simple tools.

A traditional main sector of craft. Usually the term is applied to traditional means of making goods. The individual artisanship of the items are a paramount criterion, such items often have cultural and/or religious significance. Items made by mass production or machines are not handicraft goods.

Usually, what distinguishes the term handicraft from the frequently used category arts and crafts is a matter of intent: handicraft items are intended to be used, worn and having a purpose beyond simple decoration. Handicraft goods are generally considered to be more traditional, non-industrial and transitional societies created as a somewhat more necessary part of daily life (in comparison to industrial societies), while arts and crafts implies more of a hobby pursuit and a demonstration/perfection of a creative technique.

Realizing the importance of continuing her passion, Juliet Perera ventured into the handicraft industry to ensure her knowledge on the field is disseminated properly in a bid to allow the future generation to savour this de-stressing activity.

Her education institute where a large number of students has benefited so far is a hallmark of a quality learning centre situated in Nugegoda which caters to a growing demand through her mastery touch.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business. Excerpts of the interview.

Q: How do you describe your line of business?

A: I conduct an education centre related to teaching the subject of handicraft with practical lessons. The area of teaching encompasses all kinds of handicrafts, ribbon, hand and Brazilian embroidery, java batik, cross stitch, glass painting, mirror work, needle point, paper tole and photo framing.

I ventured into teaching 15 years ago and as there is no age limit for students. However, the trend is for more elders to follow classes as the enthusiasm in the younger generation is gradually disappearing. The classes have become a mode of relaxation and it also keeps one occupied in a meaningful way.

Classes are conducted at Jambugasmulla Nugegoda and the response is over whelming. I successfully concluded my first exhibition last year which also created an awareness of my art work classes.

I have many students from the outstations and most of the students continue in the field as teachers or continue as a pass time.

There are thousands of students who have benefited through this education centre.

I pay undivided attention on my students and courses are designed to suit individual requirements. This is a fast fading art and I strive hard to make it sustainable in order to see it survive.

Q: How do you manage time to handle your personal life?

A: My husband H.P. J. Perera, a retired CMC Administrative Officer is the driving force behind this venture. We have two sons Dinesh Chintaka and Chanaka and a daughter Shereen. I have more free time now as our children are married and living separately. My full time is utilized for conducting classes. There is a huge interest shown by the elderly population as changing life styles do not permit for extended families anymore and I devote more of my time for them.

Q: What motivated you to venture into business on your own?

A: My mother Irene Weerasinghe, was an artistic person and was very skilled in sculpture. I have inherited her talents and skills which enabled me to set up an education centre. The positive response inspired me to continue the venture.

Q: What are your goals?

A: My goal is to share my knowledge and experience with those who are interested in the field. We need to preserve this medium for the next generation and my education centre will support this effort. The art and work involved add colour and brings happiness to life.

Q. How do you face the challenges of competition?

A: I have my own teaching method and this is something different. The students are allowed more practical time and this has ensured that they learn the art properly and fast. Though, there are a significant number of similar centres of teaching, my venture has progressed well with sufficient a number of students in every intake.

Q: What is your specialty?

A: The course I followed in Australia has widened my knowledge and I constantly update knowledge to mix tradition with modern thinking. I have published six books on this field which includes subjects such as ribbon and hand embroidery and needle point. These books have received good response and many positive comments as a useful guide for practical purposes.

Q: What are your achievements in family life and business?

A: I was awarded the ‘Wishwa Abimani Diriya Kanthawa’ gawrawa sammana sannas pathraya by the Samastah Lanka Nena Guna Pamanama recently. My 15 years service is invaluable to me as it recognized my work to society.

Many of my students are engaged in self employment successfully, which is a pleasure of seeing them do well in life. Some students have followed my foot steps and have become teachers as well. Students who are abroad are thankful to me as they make use of time productively engaging in whatever art work I taught them.

I plan to introduce a few novel creations in the future which are of a fusion between traditional and modern work. I am working on a book where it elaborates simple methods for elders to do more creative productions by themselves. The book will provide detailed descriptions on the steps to make a beautiful art work.

Q: What is your message to society?

A: Things always happen that you believe in and the belief in a thing makes it happen. Success is sweet, the sweeter, if long delayed and attained through manifold struggle and defeats. The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows. The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of ordinary qualities. The surest way not to fail is determine to succeed.

(SJ)