Royden O' Gibbs: A brush with history
Artist Royden Gibbs is interested in history and archaeology, and
likes to paint beautiful places he comes across in Sri Lanka and abroad.
He is a versatile artist who likes to paint landscapes as well as
portraits and compare the past with the present.
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A railway shed in Awissawella Pictures by Ruwan de Silva
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He has done a collection of water colour paintings of old forts,
lighthouses, railway stations, churches and historical temples. He says
that as an artist he likes to give the pictures his own interpretation,
and his paintings are not mere representations.
He wants to record history through his paintings, and educate people
on the importance of preserving heritage.
Royden believes that history, archaeology and wildlife are important
aspects of Sri Lankan culture that should not be destroyed.
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Royden Gibbs |
He says that many historical sites which he recorded in his paintings
many years ago have now diminished or disappeared.
He explains that Sri Lanka is identified by a particular architecture
and art. There are many ancient temples such as the Dambadeniya Raja
MahaViharaya and Gadaladeniya which he has recorded in brush strokes in
order to preserve their historical value. Royden laments that wildlife
is being destroyed in Sri Lanka. He has travelled extensively in
Australia, and says that in Australia people do not harm wildlife and
villages are kept intact. He hasa collection of Paintings done in
Australia, including the Sydney bridge, Opera House, beaches, old houses
and St. Patrick's Church, and has held two exhibitions there.
He has also exhibited his paintings in Paris, France. He likes the
work of the Impressionists as it is very meaningful and stimulating.
He likes art that can convey things which he can see and learn and
study.
He does not describe a particular technique as such and says he likes
to leave it to the viewers to form their own conclusions.
He is a past pupil of St. Peter's College. He studied art under
A.C.G.S. Amarasekara. He says he likes to be what he is, and honesty and
sincerity are paramount to his success. His message to young, upcoming
artists is to work hard and to have discipline. He says that a lot of
artists do not have confidence in themselves and they are frightened to
step out into the world.
He teaches art in his studio at home and continues to paint the
beauty that is inherent to Sri Lanka.
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