“Our world on Canvas” is a proud presentation of the pupils of Zinufa Raszik, who under her expert tutelage has grown from novices to experimenters and to creative, adventerous artists. Zinufa Raszik is a maestro of many media and subjects following her experience in two schools of thought and self exploration with oil colours. She on her own with fellow painters has held many exhibitions on oil paints, fabric paints and porcelain paints.

Today her pupils have blossomed into a group of talented artists who are able to display their own beautiful creations. The exhibition will be held on the 28th and 29th of March from 9.30AM – 7.00PM at Lionel Wendt Art Gallery. With  the exhibition drawing closer, we invited these gifted ladies to share their thoughts on what it feels like to be part of it, their specific styles, to speak of what inspires them and to let us in on what art really means to them.

Rushana Cassim (preschool teacher)

I am super excited.This is my very first experience exhibiting my paintings to the public. It was my dream as a kid to paint and this exhibition  is like a mile stone in my painting career. I have been looking forward for this day to come. I photograph and paint different parts of this beautiful island. My inspiration is the beautiful landscapes, scenery, wild life and nature that is truly breathtaking. Nature always inspires me. Furthermore my teacher Zinufa Razik has always inspired me, and has  provided me with the support when needed. I mainly use oils and work with a palette knife. Furthermore, I also do pencil sketching Art for me is a stress buster. Between handling three kids and work, art is when I relax. It is a time away from all the madness.

Athifa Sufiyan

I am very excited for the exhibition because events like these are always a great learning experience and an  opportunity to meet the art loving community. I have been privileged to have participated in two exhibitions previously under Mrs. Lathifa Ismail. I don't have a particular style in painting although most of my works are naturalistic. I draw my inspiration from nature rather than from a particular artist or period. Art is a hobby and a very rewarding past time to me.

Renu (Chartered/Co. Secretary and a Co. Director)

This is the first time we are exhibiting so definitely feel very proud and excited  that we have come so far. I enjoy looking at paintings of great artists both local & foreign and also art done in different mediums. I love to do both oils and acrylic and feel inspired by bright colours and nature. I feel that I have a long way to go to develop a particular style but with proper guidance and patience I'm sure I'll get there. Art is definitely something which relaxes and keeps me self-motivated.

Charmaine Vanderhoeven (Human Resources and CEO of four companies)

I am certainly excited as it is quite an experience working together with such talented ladies . This is my first time and I never ever dreamed that I would be participating in an exhibition. I simply follow my heart when painting and I love sceneries and animals. I started very late in life to paint on invitation by a friend and now wish that I had started earlier. I never imagined I will be able to paint but under the expert guidance of Mrs Razik I have managed to produce paintings.   Art was never my passion but now it is in my blood and I just want to paint and create. I just loved colours in my life and only use oil on canvas.

Kumari Mudiyansa (Interior Designer at Westgate International (PVT) Ltd)

Oh…. Dear!!! I am very very very excited. This is my very first experience and I say “Thank you Mrs. Razik!” I am still on the hunt of exploring my own style. I feel I have found a little bit of it, but I need to be more certain so I am working on it with a huge thirst. I am mad over art of every period - Renaissance to the ultra-modern. Art sooths me, therefore I can look at any good piece of art work for hours.   It is a therapy for the hectic life that I am living.

Kalpana De Silva

I am very excited about the exhibition. It is a first time experience for me and I’m  very eager to know what people think about my artwork. I’m more into modern arts, abstracts and landscapes using mixed media on canvas. I’m inspired by beautiful photographs and different creative techniques. Art is definitely a passion. I come from a biotechnology and chemistry background and am currently involved in business development. Art therefore is a refreshing dynamic in my life, away from the office work and studies, where I can passionately allow my imagination to wonder and try to express those thoughts through colours and brushstrokes on a canvas or sketch lines on paper.  

Dr. Shereen Corera

It's a first time experience and looking forward to it. Art is definitely my hobby.

Nazooha Fazal

The exhibition is no doubt a platform for new and upcoming artists to showcase their talents. It is such events that provide opportunities for new artists like me to flaunt our new found skill. Having taken up painting a little over a year, this is the first time I will be participating in the exhibition and I am rather excited. My inspiration is Mrs.Zunifa Razick.  She is an all-rounder in terms of style and technique and I find myself following her steps. However, I am highly interested and drawn towards nature and wildlife, so most of my work has been in that area as of now, but I will explore other areas as well as I further improve.I turned to art when I had little to keep me occupied after I came to Sri Lanka having lived 23 years in the Saudi Arabiya. I left my job and my children are all grown up so I needed something to drive me. Art is most certainly my passion. A canvas, paint brush and some colours is all I require to get lost in the ever exciting world of art.

Lasanthie Perera (Company Directress of Marine Exports)

For me it is the first time that I'm part of an art exhibition and I feel like I'll enjoy this experience. My art style is nature painting which is my own passion.

By Vajini.H.Gunaratne