I'm Manjula Jayasundara
I’ve always loved elephants since I was a kid. I grew up in Kandy, a beautiful place in the central part of Sri Lanka, surrounded by mountains. I spent my school days there. When I was little, I used to visit Sri Dalada Maligawa, a temple where a special tooth relic of Lord Buddha is kept.
Back then, I was 7 or 8 years old, studying in 1st and 2nd grade. Every morning on my way to school with my mom, we’d stop by Sri Dalada Maligawa. The Raja elephant, who carried the Sacred Tooth relic for many years, was kept there.
Our Story
I was fascinated by elephants from a young age. I used to make small elephant figures out of clay every day. During the Mahanuwara Dalada Perahara, an annual festival, I preferred watching the elephants over the parade.
I spent hours observing how elephants eat leaves and food (Kithul) and how they use their ivory. I paid attention to their posture, ivory color, and nature, and practiced recreating them. Eventually, I realized I had a talent for drawing and sculpture. So, I chose art for my higher education and successfully passed my A-level exams.
I got the chance to study at the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, where I continue to focus on professional art design. Due to economic challenges, I chose to specialize in design art. I started creating paintings and sculptures using various media and even got invited to work on art projects in hotels.
My childhood love for elephants resurfaced, and I began crafting again. Most of my designs revolved around elephants, and I developed my art without any formal teacher. One day, I had an idea to use elephant dung to create a special pulp. After years of research, I successfully created a 100% local and eco-friendly medium using elephant dung and even got a patent license for it.
I started making elephant sculptures using this improved pulp. By then, I had a wonderful wife who supported and helped me enhance my art.
Over time, my artistic journey continued to evolve. With the unwavering support of my wife, I delved deeper into my passion for creating art from unconventional materials. The bond with elephants, nurtured since childhood, became the central theme of my work.
As my sculptures gained recognition, I received opportunities to showcase my art in various exhibitions. The unique use of elephant dung in my creations drew attention, not only for its innovative aspect but also for its contribution to sustainability. I found joy in creating awareness about environmental issues through my art.
In the midst of my artistic endeavors, I became a father. The arrival of my child inspired a new chapter in my creations. I began sculpting playful elephant figures that resonated with children and adults alike. These sculptures aimed not only to showcase the beauty of elephants but also to instill a sense of environmental responsibility in the younger generation.
As my family grew, so did my artistic horizons. I initiated workshops in local schools, where I shared my knowledge and techniques with enthusiastic young minds. Witnessing their creativity flourish brought immense satisfaction, and it became a fulfilling part of my artistic journey.
The connection between my art, elephants, and the community strengthened. Collaborations with local conservation organizations allowed me to contribute a portion of the proceeds from my art sales to elephant conservation efforts. This gave my work a purpose beyond aesthetics, aligning it with a cause close to my heart.
In recent years, I have explored digital platforms to reach a wider audience. Social media became a canvas for me to share the process behind my creations, connect with fellow artists, and spread awareness about elephant conservation. The positive response from online communities fueled my passion even more.
Reflecting on my artistic path, I am grateful for the childhood fascination that sparked my love for elephants. It has not only shaped my career but also allowed me to make a meaningful impact on environmental consciousness. Each sculpture tells a story, not just of creativity, but of a journey fueled by passion, dedication, and a deep-rooted connection with nature.
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