- In conversation with Loku Liyanage Dayananda
By Ravini Perera
Micro art is a trend embraced by few. The technicality and the painstaking process behind creating miniature designs are the fundamental factors that result in the lack of interest in many. However, we do come across internationally acclaimed artists that have won the world over with their talents. The lack of awareness and education about micro art has been another major setback for the development of this culture worldwide.
Miniature art entails more than what meets the eye. Micro sculpting, micro engraving, and micro painting are components and techniques of micro art, utilised by artists to add more value and beauty to their designs.
Micro art, although relatively new to Sri Lanka, is a culture with a rich history and great potential. Furthermore, as it is a form of fine art that can be mastered by any novice, it can easily be turned into a career in the long-run. Speaking with Brunch, Loku Liyanage Dayananda, a professional micro artist in Sri Lanka, explained all about miniature art, his career as an artist, and the value of developing the trade of micro art in Sri Lanka.
Attempting something different
Dayananda displayed a strong interest towards arts and crafts since his childhood. Although he did not formally pursue a career in art after his school days, neither his passion nor his artistic flair were ever lost. With the pandemic affecting many people, Dayananda too faced numerous difficulties that forced him to try his hand at something new.
“Having worked in the tourism industry prior to Covid-19, it is safe to say that the pandemic affected our industry immensely. In fact, the economy of the country and my financial status were both challenged by Covid-19. Therefore, I looked into other career opportunities and finally settled on what I am most passionate about. However, the type of art I chose was different and uncommon. Micro art is a technique where the final product is smaller in scale than other forms of art. Hence, they are miniature in size. Although there are many artists in Sri Lanka, they do not specialise in micro art. This afforded an opportunity for my work to stand out from the rest,” he said.
Dayananda, who was determined to discover something innovative and interesting to show the world, began his journey nearly two years ago and has not looked back. His path to glory was aided mainly by the information and knowledge he acquired from various online sources. Additionally, hours of practice and self-study have also contributed immensely to his current success.
Dayananda has a total collection of approximately 250 designs that he has created. Sculpting iconic landmarks on pencils is his specialty. Moreover, statues of Lord Buddha, the smallest Sri Lankan flag, and customised BMW bikes were some of his recent creations. Although name carving is considered a common practice among other artists, it is disapproved by Dayananda who believes in creating unique designs.
“I do not limit myself. Hence, my art has no boundaries. I try to recreate items that I find interesting and beautiful. Although I have customised certain creations for my clients based in foreign countries, I do not spend much time taking orders and selling my designs. I believe that it has a hindering effect on one’s skills. It might also feed on the time one has to be artistic and to create novel designs. Therefore, I accommodate only a limited number of orders each month,” stressed Dayananda.
The unending challenges
Microscopic art, as many would predict, is an extremely challenging form of art. The time, effort, and patience dedicated to one single masterpiece by artists is astonishing. Dayananda went on to explain that a single creation of his can take almost three days. In addition to the hand magnifiers, blades, microscopes, and various other equipment, one must also be armed with a positive attitude to attempt micro art.
“These delicate works of art must be handled with due care. A simple mishap can damage or even completely destroy the design. At such instances, one must possess the ability to remain calm and to reattempt the design once more. A mistake should not bring you down,” added Dayananda.
An artist, in general, must be creative and ambitious to be successful in this industry. However a micro artist must possess more skill and technique than any other artist to attempt these minute designs. A steady hand, laser sharp focus, patience, and breath control are among the many skills required to take on micro art.
Dayananda, as a pioneer in micro art in Sri Lanka, has faced and continues to encounter incalculable obstacles daily. Most of his work is done with basic facilities available at hand. “In comparison to world renowned artists, we, as Sri Lankans, are yet to tap into the true potential of micro art. I require more advanced equipment if my work is to reach the standard of international artists,” he said.
Unavailability of technology has been the biggest setback for Dayananda. “The camera I use to capture my work is a basic phone camera which is insufficient to capture minute details of the designs I create. There are advanced cameras available in other countries, made especially to focus on microscopic items. The basic microscope that I work with is also not up to the industry standards. Better and more modern microscopes are available outside of Sri Lanka. However, we do not come by such technology locally and when we do, it would cost a fortune. Although I am also keen on studying nanotechnology to enhance my work, the courses I am looking for are unavailable in the island,” said Dayananda.
Inspiring others by his own example
Despite the many obstacles he has faced, Dayananda is determined to remain positive and to excel in his field of expertise. Obstacles will often try to discourage one from pursuing their dreams. However, the willpower to go on amidst such challenges is what defines a true artist, as per Dayananda.
He went on to state: “I began my journey with nothing. It was pure determination and self-study that got me this far. Facing challenges has become a daily task for me. Nevertheless, I have not stopped nor entertained the thought of quitting.”
Dayananda has utilised social media mainly to display his talents. Thus, the attention and the praise he receives on a daily basis are the fuel that motivates him to achieve greater heights. His designs and their intricate details are nearly impossible to be seen with the naked eye. “My designs are not limited to pencil tips. I have created various arts on rice grains and other small objects too. They are so miniature that they can easily fit into the head of a needle,” explained Dayananda.
He intends to inspire his followers and to ultimately reach the goal of motivating them to try their hands at this form of art. “Use the resources available and make the most of it. One can do anything they put their mind to. Therefore, stay positive, think out of the box, and quit giving excuses. It is not up to others to decide your fate. Hence, stop listening to what people tell you as it might discourage you. Follow your dreams and enjoy what you do. This is the time to recognise and develop one’s own dreams and talents,” he stated.
Future of micro art in Sri Lanka
Holding an exhibition for his designs, in the future to come, is Dayananda’s main goal. “Most international artists hold exhibitions with merely 15-20 designs. However, I have collected more than 200 designs. Therefore, it will be very exciting to have these creations on display. At present, my designs are kept in plastic and wooden casings for protection. But it is not my intention to keep them there forever. In addition to holding an exhibition, I would love to open up a gallery one day to keep these designs for permanent display. Galleries for miniature designs are not found worldwide, other than in a few countries.”
Like many other talents and trades that have been overlooked in Sri Lanka, micro art too has not been given the value it deserves. It is a form of art that needs to be experienced with one’s own eyes and not merely on social media platforms. Thus, Dayananda’s plan to exhibit his work has been delayed due to the lack of sponsors. Lightings, magnifiers, and showcases are all needed for a physical display to be made possible.
Artists tend to tell a story through their work and Dayananda is no exception. This skill he has obtained over the years is one that he aims to promote and share with others. It is his belief that seminars and training sessions for people of all ages, including school children, will play a major role in popularising this trend in our country.
“Though foreign artists have gained much fame from their microscopic designs, it is not a widespread trade. Thus gaining information and knowledge was one of the biggest challenges I faced. I want to change this and make this art more accessible,” said Dayananda.
Dayananda encourages anyone interested to try their hand at miniature art. It is a great profession that he himself uses to make ends meet and it can easily be learnt by novices. The price received for each design can be determined and negotiated based on the time and effort invested. The smaller the size of the pencil, the greater the effort put in. The bigger the size of the pencil, the more intricate the details would be. Nevertheless, it is a matter of the requirement of the client. However, he emphasised that one must possess the passion for the arts and not be entirely motivated by the profit it would yield.
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Dayananda can be found on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/DayaMicroArt
