Correct me if I am wrong, but Yasodhara Pathanjali reminds me of Nelly Furtado. What could possibly be the similarities, you’d ask. And I suppose the same face cut and an almost gypsy-like adoration of colour and a few things folksy would be it.
We met at KIKU — a workshop studio and eatery — above Shirohana on Dr. Lester James Peiris Mawatha. It proved to be the perfect setting for an interesting chat on her life, and her pursuit of honing her skills when it comes to art. I must mention the fact that she spoke rather openly, and this is because she firmly does believe in having an open dialogue whatever the situation — since this is the starting point in helping resolve issues.
KIKU is art. It’s eclectic presentation of Japanese cuisine with a minimalistic fervor was homely and warm. Yasodhara was bursting with color just like her art pieces, and her infectious laugh was a brush stroke of sheer personality. We spoke about everything BUT art. I will tell you this, though — she is reluctant to define her pieces of art stating that they are all open to interpretation with each piece offering an explanation that is personal and private.
Admirably she is self-taught and has spent most of her life in London. With a penchant for sarees and intrinsic detail, she elaborated on a host of topics from the need to create more awareness on mental illness to culture and how it evolves to expressing oneself through art.
Like any artist worth her salt, Yasodhara’s art takes on different forms. She’s been passionate about embroidery, wood working, painting, stone carving, paper arts, pottery, creative writing and a myriad of other forms. With a fashion label in its infancy, her clothes are her own creation, which boasts a colorful myriad of flowery prints.
As a mother of two children, she does an exemplary balancing act handling multiple roles while also being an accomplished cook. (Cheese, she says, is what she loves.) With a desire to bring her art to the rest of the world, she believes that art has the capacity to heal and craft out new beginnings. Believing in homeschooling her children, it is heartening to see how she entertains a proclivity to lend her knowledge to the new generation.
Forward thinking and progressive in her beliefs, Yasodhara, proves to be a breath of fresh air in an island that is still very much stuck in an environment of orthodoxy and conventional thinking. And it is this train of thought that has led her to pursue some unconventional endeavors like painting what is probably the largest mural in Sri Lanka.
It was a great initiative since it does showcase an exceptional will to succeed, and it is also testament to an ambitious generation that artistic creativity does pay dividends. From a business-oriented perspective, Yasodhara has converted her artistic prowess into something that is adored and that has led to a great many commissioned projects.
With color forming the basis to her personality and life, Yasodhara, has used her knowledge, which is largely self-taught, to expand her horizons and become a creative and inspirational person. Personally, I think her persistence and desire to use her talents to express and ultimately teach others her passion is noteworthy. The fact that she is a personality who desires to succeed no matter what is inspirational.
Moreover, her socially-conscious initiatives — empowering women, helping children find expression, drawing awareness to societal issues etc. — proves that art can create a better world for all.
Written by Rohitha Perera | Photography by Sampath Munaweera