Cultural Connections three artisans unite to celebrate Creativity, Craft and Culture

Migara

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana 

An exhibition that brings together art, craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of the handmade, Cultural Connections will take place on the 6th and 7th of December from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lionel Wendt. The showcase unites three talented artisans — Mihiri, Milinda, and Udeni — whose works reflect a shared passion for reimagining the ordinary and transforming it into the extraordinary.

Rooted in Sri Lankan heritage yet influenced by experiences abroad, their creations — from pottery and upcycled art to handmade decor — celebrate the island’s cultural richness and craftsmanship. While each artist’s journey is deeply personal, their work collectively tells a story of passion, perseverance, and belonging.

For Mihiri, clay became her new medium of expression after nearly three decades in the garment industry. Her fascination lies in what she calls “the conversion of a ball of soil to something solid.” Having once worked in fashion, she now finds her creative rhythm at the potter’s wheel, embracing the unpredictability of the kiln and the imperfections that make each piece unique. “Once I learnt to give clay form and colour, the unpredictability of what comes out of the kiln still fascinates me,” she shares. “A larger amount of knowledge has come through self-learning — lots of trial and error, mistakes, and patience.”

Milinda, a self-taught artist who grew up in Italy, approaches art with a cosmopolitan sensibility and a sustainable mindset. His practice involves transforming everyday materials like coconut shells, driftwood, and old furniture into beautiful, functional art. “I blend different styles of art from around the world with materials we find in daily life,” he explains. “The satisfaction I get when I complete a piece is something that no monotonous job could ever give me.”

He recalls how his passion evolved over time. “I’ve always loved art, a passion sparked and nurtured during my time living in Italy,” he says. “When I returned to Sri Lanka, I became absorbed in rejuvenating our family’s coconut plantation. But as my family saw more of my work, they encouraged me to give it more space in my life. Their support helped me rediscover the joy of creating — and turn art into something deeper and more present in my everyday.”

Udeni, meanwhile, brings a gentle, timeless aesthetic shaped by her years in the English countryside. Inspired by “a love of nature, the countryside, muted colours, gentle classical English textiles and a relaxed approach to décor,” her handmade greeting cards, beaded jewellery, and homeware are rooted in simplicity and functionality. “My drive to be creative has always been the search for something I need personally,” she reflects. “It all began with the frustration of not finding what I needed — something functional but also beautiful. Whenever I find a solution, I love sharing it with others who might be facing the same challenge.”

While each artist’s creative expression differs, they are united by shared struggles — the scarcity of raw materials, high import costs, and limited recognition for artisanal crafts in Sri Lanka. “Pottery is a dying craft although it was once a celebrated part of our heritage,” says Mihiri, lamenting the lack of local support for pottery despite Sri Lanka’s rich clay resources.

Milinda adds, “In Sri Lanka, art and crafts are still dismissed as career options for those outside the traditional education and corporate mold. But creative work has its own dignity and purpose.” Despite these challenges, all three agree that obstacles have strengthened their resolve, pushing them to innovate and find beauty in constraint.

Their messages to aspiring artists resonate with experience and sincerity. “Pottery is an artisanal craft that combines passion and patience — you need to be able to create something out of nothing,” says Mihiri. Milinda encourages perseverance: “One could be naturally talented or not, but if they have passion, dedication, and skill, great things can be achieved.” And Udeni’s advice is simple yet profound: “Create what you love and what makes you happy.”

Cultural Connections is not just an exhibition — it is a celebration of artistic resilience, of finding beauty in imperfection and meaning in the handmade. Visitors are invited to experience this heartfelt showcase where every creation tells a story — of patience, craftsmanship, and love for Sri Lanka.