Chandana Gunathilake:

Creativity in a different dimension

by Ryhanna Salle

Sculpture: When described as a noun, it is the art of making two or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms, especially by carving stone or wood or by casting metal or plaster. When described as a verb, it is to make or represent by carving, casting, or other shaping techniques. For, Chandana Gunathilake however, sculpture is a means to express himself and the way in which he sees the world.

It is the tactility, the feel of things being moulded into shape that drew him to this form of art. “Sculpture is a medium through which we can create something we feel in three dimensions. Therefore, it automatically expands to another dimension than drawing,” he says adding that as an artist he finds more freedom in sculpture than in painting.

Sculpture was a self-discovered means of expression for Chandana, who however, received the encouragement of his family when he demonstrated his skills in drawing and sculpture. “My parents, family and friends encouraged me,” he says simply, explaining that he started a professional career in sculpture after finishing his higher education.

The material Chandana uses for his sculptures depend on what he wishes to express. Often he uses metal such as vehicle parts and other materials, which suit his themes and his imaginative creations.

The technique he uses varies from one sculpture to another as each creating is unique and therefore techniques are peculiar to the individual work of art. He also says that technique is embedded within the sculpture.

A graduate of the University of Visual and Performing Arts Colombo, Chandana had his primary education in Nahalla Sri Revatha College and his secondary education in Vidayarathana Pirivena. Currently a freelance artist he has participated in many art exhibitions.