There are artists who are humble yet talented and gifted beyond comprehension? They create the most magnificent pieces of art for the world to admire. Our artist in conversation today is the wonderful Punsara Udara, who has risen above the rest to create a name for himself. He reminisces his humble beginnings with such joy. We are pleased to bring his interview to you today.

I began painting when I was just a child, perhaps 8 or 9 years old. My mother always encouraged creativity in our household, so I was constantly surrounded by paints, brushes, and canvases. However, it wasn't until my late teenage years that I began to take painting seriously. So, if we're counting from that point, it's been over 20 years of dedicated practice and exploration with paints. Over the years, my style and techniques have evolved, driven by countless hours of practice, learning, and unlearning.

Who are your greatest influencers?

My greatest influencers span different periods and styles. Early on, I was captivated by the works of Pablo Picasso and his powerful, emotive brushstrokes. His use of color and texture to convey deep emotion resonated deeply with me. A lot of artists has taught me something pivotal about passion, technique, and the boundless possibilities within the world of painting.

Did you have a formal education in art and painting or are you self-taught?

I did attend a few art workshops and courses to refine my techniques. And I entered into the Colombo Cultural Arts University, to further study my passion. Initially, my learning came from books, online tutorials, and endless hours of painting on my own. While formal education certainly provides a structured learning environment, I believe self-teaching allowed me to break free from conventional constraints and find my own voice in art. That said, the guidance and critique from formal workshops were invaluable in pushing me to new levels of skill and understanding.

Do you have a particular style? How did you become so passionate about this particular style?

My work predominantly revolves around line drawings This style allows me to communicate complex emotions and states of mind that are difficult to capture through representational art. As an artist, I prefer to create complete drawings using line drawing techniques rather than the traditional color schemes which is used by most artists nowadays. I believe that lines will enable him to uplift the subtlety of natural objects displaying detailed shapes and showcase their textures much better.

What are your other passions other than art? How have these passions contributed to you becoming the artist you are today?

Apart from painting, I am passionate about literature and music. Reading exposes me to different perspectives, stories, and ideas, which often inspire themes in my artwork. Music, especially classical and jazz, influences the rhythm and movement within my pieces. The harmony, dissonance, and transitions in music parallel the dynamics I strive for in my visual compositions. Both of these passions enrich my creative process, providing a broader cultural and emotional context to my work.

Could you walk us through the process? Percentage-wise, how much time do you spend preparing for the painting and how much time on the actual painting itself? Is preparation an important part of your process?

Preparation is a crucial part of my process and typically constitutes about 40 % of the total time. This includes conceptualization, sketching, gathering references, and mixing colors. It's a phase of deep introspection and planning, laying down the emotional groundwork for the piece. The actual painting, which takes up the remaining 60 % , is more spontaneous and fluid. However, without the initial preparation, the execution would lack direction and coherence. So, both stages are indispensable and intertwined in my creative process.

Are you engaged in new artistic adventures? How is artistic exploration important to you as an artist and to your process? How do you then decide what to incorporate into your style and what you leave as pure fun?

Absolutely, I'm continuously exploring new mediums and techniques. Recently, I've delved into mixed media, combining traditional paints with digital elements. Artistic exploration is vital as it keeps my practice dynamic and prevents stagnation. It's through experimentation that I discover new facets of my creativity. Deciding what to incorporate into my style and what to leave as exploration is intuitive. If a new technique or idea deeply resonates with my core artistic vision and enhances my expression, I incorporate it. Otherwise, it remains an enjoyable exploration that enriches my overall experience.

Was there a particular moment when you could tell that your skills had just crossed over into being an exceptionally good painter instead of a pretty good painter? What did you do to make that leap?

That moment came a few years ago when I received my first significant commission. The recognition and validation from a reputable source gave me the confidence to view my work through a new lens. To make that leap, I relentlessly practiced, constantly challenged my techniques, and sought constructive feedback. More importantly, I began to trust my creative instincts and pushed beyond my comfort zones. This convergence of external validation and personal growth marked a turning point in my artistic journey.

How do you push yourself? Do you set goals for yourself? And if so, what are the goals? Do you think setting goals is important for an artist in his/her artistic journey? If so, why?

I definitely set goals for myself?both short-term and long-term. Short-term goals might include mastering a new technique or completing a series of paintings, while long-term goals encompass exhibitions and broader recognition. Setting goals is essential as it provides direction and motivation. It helps me measure my progress and ensures that I'm constantly evolving as an artist. However, it's equally important to remain flexible and open to spontaneity, allowing room for unexpected creativity and growth.

How is your experience working with Aartzy? Do you think it is a useful platform for artists?

I have now worked with Janaka and Aartzy more than 3 years and working with the Aartzy has been an enriching experience. It offers a wonderful platform for artists to showcase their works to a broader audience, transcending geographical limitations. The user-friendly interface and supportive community make it a valuable tool for emerging and established artists alike. The exposure and networking opportunities through Aartzy have significantly contributed to my professional growth, enabling me to connect with art enthusiasts and potential buyers globally.

Imalka Shashini ( 2024 )