Sanduni de Silva

 Batik artistry became my source of empowerment and fulfilment, allowing me to blend my technical expertise with my artistic dreams.The process of bringing my sketches to life and seeing them transform into tangible garments fascinated me.

My goal is to create timeless pieces that are inspired by the beauty of nature and the intricate wonders of the abstract world.  

Today on the Buzz, I have a lady who had made her way into the fashion arena, with her take on Batik. It’s not an easy place to make a name when the industry has so much to offer.  Her commitment to being a mother, work and life itself is a testimony to what you see in her creation. 
She likes to keep it simple and timeless as these fabrics speak for themselves. Working under the brand name Colombo Batik she introduced her creations on her husband Lahiru Mudalige's platform. 

What made you get into fashion? 

Well, it's a journey that combines my background as a software engineer with my deep passion for fashion. After nearly 8 years in the IT industry, I began to feel the weight of a demanding job and a hectic lifestyle. I needed an outlet to reduce stress and find a creative balance.
Fashion had always been more than just an interest for me. The idea of creating something beautiful and expressive through clothing had always been in the back of my mind, waiting to be realised.
I yearned for something more, something that would allow me to tap into my creative side from the very beginning.
As a woman, a mother, and a wife, my love for fashion deepened with each role I embraced.
It became a means for me to celebrate the many facets of my identity. I wanted to see my creative vision come to life and share it with others.
That's when the concept of working with batik came into focus. It was a monumental challenge, and I'm someone who thrives on challenges. They present opportunities for growth, and I have a deep-rooted love for succeeding in the face of adversity. Batik artistry became my source of empowerment and fulfilment, allowing me to blend my technical expertise with my artistic dreams.
The process of bringing my sketches to life and seeing them transform into tangible garments fascinated me.
Another great motivator was the positive feedback I received from others who appreciated my designs. Each sketch and experiment became a step toward realising my passion, shaping my identity as a fashion enthusiast, and driving me to explore the limitless possibilities within the world of style and expression.

Batik is a very crowded business, how did you find your space in it?

I never entered the world of Batik with the intention of finding my space in the crowded business.
My primary goal was simply to design and explore my creative instincts, without being preoccupied with market or competition. I was driven by a genuine passion for the art form.
I am grateful that people resonated with my designs. I never felt the need to forcefully carve out a space for myself; rather, I allowed my creations to speak for themselves. By remaining authentic and true to my artistic vision, my designs, infused with creativity and passion, naturally found an audience. 
The love for the art and the dedication to my craft set me apart, allowing me to create a space that was uniquely mine within the thriving Batik industry.

How do you work on your designs?

Tough question, I do not have a structure or a process to design. As cliche as it may sound my design process is deeply rooted in spontaneity and intuition. I don't force creativity; instead, I patiently wait for inspiration to strike me. I find that some of my best ideas come when I least expect them – a burst of creativity sparked by random encounters of my daily life and the nature around us. It is important to understand that the creative journey is often unpredictable and nonlinear. When inspiration does strike, I immerse myself completely in the moment. I start by sketching rough outlines, capturing the essence of the idea before it fades away. These initial sketches serve as the foundation, a raw expression of my vision. 
From there, I carefully refine the details, paying attention to colour palettes, textures, and intricate patterns.
It's a journey of self discovery where I allow my creativity to roam freely, capturing the essence of inspiration in every stroke and detail. This approach ensures that each of my designs is a true reflection of my passion, creativity, and the world as I perceive it.

Who has been your inspiration in fashion? 

There are many great fashion designers. However my inspiration in fashion is mostly the adversities of my own life, being a software engineer, a mother and wife somehow inspired me to express my emotions creatively. And so I did. The work of other fashion designers helped me fabricate my designs. Their work helped me express my emotions through art and fabric.

What are the looks you are going to make for the season?

My designs for the upcoming season are currently a work in progress. I must also say that none of my designs are seasonal but I can give you a glimpse into my creative direction. 
My goal is to create timeless pieces that are inspired by the beauty of nature and the intricate wonders of the abstract world. The fusion of these elements shape my vision for the new release, resulting in designs that capture the essence of natural forms and blend them with artistic abstraction.
One of the central themes I'm exploring is feminism. I firmly believe in the power and beauty of every woman. Each individual is unique, and my designs aim to celebrate this diversity. I want to create pieces that not only adorn the body but also amplify the inner strength and confidence of every woman who wears them. Stay tuned! 

Where do you retail and where can we buy your work?

We have just opened a studio in Ethul Kotte to showcase items and help my customers find their style. Additionally you can find my pieces on our website colombobatik.lk              
(Pix courtesy: Colombo Batik)