Full Name : Christopher Michael Elms

 

Birthday : September 15, 1984

 

Role model : My Dad.  He’s always been so supportive of me.  He’s been my soccer coach, my fellow adventurer, and my travel buddy, but most importantly he showed me how to be caring and successful in life.

 

Passions : Sports, cooking, travelling, and photography of course!

 

How has Sri Lanka treated you and what would you miss about this country?

Sri Lanka and, more importantly, Sri Lankans have been great to me.  I’m going to miss the food, the ancient ruins, and the natural beauty, but the thing I’ll miss most is definitely the great friends I’ve made out here.

 

What inspires you? 

I’m inspired by creative, passionate people.  When I see someone who’s taken a risk to go after their dreams, I’m reminded that life’s too short not to spend it pursuing your passions. 

 

What is one of your favourite quotes?

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

 

You have travelled to many places in Sri Lanka, which is your favourite spot?

I have loved exploring this country.  Polonnaruwa, Kalpitiya beach, and Yala are all high on my list, but Sigiriya has to be my favourite.  It’s so unique and has everything I’m looking for – ancient culture, beautiful artwork, and breathtaking scenery.

 

Tell me a little bit about “Connecting the Dots” your exhibition?

When I reflected on my time in Sri Lanka and on my photographs to create the exhibition, it was impossible to find a unified theme for such a diverse country.  It was when I connected the dots that I realised that Sri Lanka’s strength and beauty is this diversity. The photos are recognisable and quintessentially Sri Lanka, but come from very varied places.

 

How many months have you been working on this exhibition?

I’ve been taking pictures here for almost two years now, but it took about two months for the exhibition to come together.

 

How do you make time for photography?

I bring my camera along wherever I travel, for work or fun, so I make the most of my time and take photos as I’m struck by an image.

 

When did you buy your first camera?

I know I had one when I was little, but the first one I remember buying was a disposable camera for a class trip to Washington, DC.  I looked at the pictures recently and let’s just say that my photography skills were lacking back then.

 

A Sri Lankan dish you love to eat?

I love lamprais and eat it all the time.  I like it spicy, so extra lunu miris and pol sambol on everything please.

 

Would you be publishing a book with your work?

Not this time.  That’s something to aspire to.

 

Till when is the exhibition on?

The exhibition will run at the American Center until the end of June.

 

Where are you off to from Sri Lanka?

I finish my tour here in July and I’m heading back to Washington, DC to work at the State Department.

 

Your favourite author in Sri Lanka?

I’m reading a Shyam Selvadurai book right now and really like his writing style, but my favourite Sri Lankan book has definitely been Anil’s Ghost by Michael Ondaatje.