Dilrukshi Mendis – Symbolic Fine Art Painter

My Journey and Ethos

 

Ayubowan

 

In my culture, this greeting means “May you have the gift of long life.” It’s a wish — and a story — wrapped in a single word.

 

My creative journey has woven through two worlds: the structure and logic of banking & finance, and the instinctive, emotional sphere of art.

 

In my twenties, I stepped away from painting seriously — uncertain about whether art could be a “real” life choice. I pursued a successful corporate career across two continents, became a Chartered Accountant, CPA and a Banker. I’ve drawn and created all my life and in time I accepted and embraced the creative, imaginative and intuitive self that in many ways made my corporate career both possible and successful.

 

For a long time, I felt a disconnect with the art around as I couldn’t connect or feel it held space for me. Art can cross cultural divides and the idea of art being a vessel to create a sense of belonging is the driving force behind my art.

 

Through my fine art practice I paint slowly, using imagination, intention and ritual to create work inspired by my heritage and lived experience that spark connection with and hold space for viewers. A Sri Lankan Australian narrative Artists, every element, symbol and colour choice has purpose. It invites introspection, reflection and learning as one spends time with it. It’s an intuitive and intense process and work is done when it feels coherent to me. Currently I’m working on a series Apekshava (Hope) to be followed by Upekha (serenity). It is from a place of hope that we begin the path to serenity.

 

Be it bold or subtle, pedestrian or surreal, everything I create carries an invitation:

 

Ayubowan