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.
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