A Remarkable Twist of Fate: Ransirini Gamage's Inspiring Journey

“Know what sparks the light in you. Then use that light to illuminate the world.”

Ransirini Gamage, an extraordinary artist, has made an indelible mark on the world of mandala art. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Ransirini's deep immersion in her homeland's rich cultural traditions from an early age became the catalyst for her artistic pursuits. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of Sri Lankan art, Ransirini embarked on a personal exploration of her own artistic abilities, experimenting with various mediums to create captivating designs. Her artistic journey has been punctuated by numerous exhibitions and art shows across Sri Lanka, where her work has gained both local and national recognition. Additionally, her art has captivated a devoted following through publications and online platforms.

What ignited your passion for your craft? I consider my artistic talent to be a miraculous twist of fate. Following the unexpected passing of my father in early 2020, which left me traumatized, I tragically lost the full use of six of my fingers. Due to COVID-related travel restrictions, I received medical advice to engage in activities that would exercise my fingers. During this period, I discovered mandala art through the internet and dedicated myself to mastering this art form. As I shared my work on social media, I began receiving unexpected and overwhelmingly positive responses for my artwork.

Could you recount your journey from its inception to its current stage? I am not merely an artist who has risen to great heights in the realm of mandala art; I also consider myself an art messenger. I have organized numerous workshops on mandala art, and my ambitions extend even further-I plan to publish a book on this subject in the future. I had one paramount goal: for anyone who encounters my artwork, they should be compelled to shift their mindset and truly perceive my creations-to listen to the story within the image. I am proud to say that I have achieved that goal.

Please elaborate on some successful marketing strategies you have implemented. To build my brand, I have employed a range of successful marketing strategies such as social media marketing, collaborations, partnerships with social media influencers, pop-up shops and markets, and search engine optimization (SEO) along with website optimization. The key to successfully marketing mandala art in Sri Lanka lies in a combination of online and offline promotion, collaborations, and fostering a robust community centered around this art form.

What motivates you to wake up each morning and pursue your passion? As a mandala artist, there are myriad factors that motivate me to wake up each morning and embrace my craft wholeheartedly. The passion for creation, the spiritual connection I feel, sharing my art with others, the pursuit of continuous learning, and making a positive impact on others are just a few of the reasons that drive me. Ultimately, finding motivation as a mandala artist stems from tapping into what brings me joy and a sense of purpose, utilizing that energy to awaken each day and create.

How do you define "success"? For me, the definition of "success" is deeply personal and subjective. It revolves around individual goals, aspirations, and values. Moreover, success encompasses personal fulfillment and growth, encompassing the ability to explore and nurture creativity, refine skills and techniques, and find a profound sense of purpose and meaning through artistic expression. Ultimately, the definition of "success" for a mandala artist may vary based on their individual goals, experiences, and perspectives.

What is your goal? As an artist my goal may evolve over time in sync with my personal aspirations and motivations. However, as a mandala artist, my primary objective remains to continue evolving my skills and experiences.

What advice would you give other start-ups? My advice is quite simple. Validate your idea, create a business plan, build a strong team, seek funding, embrace technology, focus on customer experience, and stay agile. These tips could go a long way for startups.