This week, The Sunday Morning Happinez shines its spotlight on Aishwarya Tennekoon, a multidisciplinary artist excelling in architecture, sculpture, model making, cosplaying, costume, and prop design.

What aspects of designing and craftsmanship do you find most inspiring?

Designing and craftsmanship allow me to bring imagination to life in tangible forms. The most inspiring aspect is the process of turning a concept into reality, whether it’s through a detailed architectural model, a life-like sculpture, or an intricate cosplay costume. 

Each step in the creation process, from initial sketches to the final touches, is filled with opportunities for problem-solving and innovation. The ability to blend various materials and techniques to achieve a cohesive and visually striking result is incredibly fulfilling. 

Additionally, the response from fans and the community, especially when they recognise and appreciate the effort put into recreating elements from their favourite movies, games, and comics, is a constant source of motivation.

What inspired you to pursue architecture and what do you find fascinating about it?

My journey into architecture was driven by a fascination with the built environment and how it shapes our experiences and interactions. Architecture is a unique blend of art and science, requiring creativity and technical precision. What I find most fascinating is the ability to create spaces that serve a functional purpose, evoke emotions, and tell stories. 

Through my expertise, I appreciate the intricate balance between form and function and how architectural design can influence behaviour and well-being. The challenge of designing structures that are aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound is a constant source of inspiration. Furthermore, my background in architecture enriches my various forms of art and craftsmanship, allowing me to approach design with a holistic and innovative perspective.

How did you develop your skills in creating three-dimensional (3D) objects? Could you share a memorable project or piece you’ve made in sculpture or model making?

Developing my skills in creating three-dimensional objects has been a lifelong journey filled with continuous self-learning and experimentation. It began with a passion for art and design related to geek stuff, which I had been doing since I was eight years old. 

I often experimented with various materials to create models, props, and sculptures. I first started with painting. After a while, I got into model and prop making. When I turned 16, I got into sculpting. All forms of art that I do, except architecture, are self-taught. 

One of the most memorable scale models I’ve made, which also caused the most significant turning point of my life in becoming a multidisciplinary artist, is the model I made of Barad-dûr, the fortress of Sauron from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy; this was entirely handcrafted in 2015 with various types of cardboard, wooden sticks, paper pulp, and rigifoam and I got the opportunity to exhibit it at the Sri Lanka’s first ever Comic Con – Lanka Comic Con 2015. 

Afterwards, many from the local geek community recognised me as a crafter and a model maker and started commissioning me to make sculptures, props, and models. 

What initially drew you to the art of miniaturism? How do you maintain focus during long hours of detailed work?

The art of miniaturism initially drew me in with its unique blend of intricacy and storytelling. Creating detailed, small-scale representations of larger objects or scenes is profoundly captivating. The challenge of capturing the essence and detail of the original in a miniature form allows for immense creativity and precision. It was the perfect way to combine my love for design, sculpture, and craftsmanship. In addition, it aligned well with my interests in architecture and pop culture.

Patience is an indispensable part of my work. Whether a miniature architectural model or a detailed cosplay prop, each piece requires meticulous attention to detail and a steady hand. The process can be time-consuming, but the result is always worthwhile. 

I break the project into manageable sections to maintain focus during long hours of detailed work, setting small goals and milestones to keep the momentum going. Taking regular breaks to rest and refresh my mind is crucial, as it helps prevent burnout and maintains the quality of the work. Additionally, listening to music or podcasts can create a conducive environment for concentration. 

Immersing myself in the creative process and reminding myself of the joy and satisfaction of completing a detailed piece also helps me stay motivated. Ultimately, the passion for my craft and the excitement of seeing a project come to life in miniature form fuel my patience and focus.

What got you interested in cosplaying and how has it influenced your work in other areas? What has been the most challenging costume or prop you’ve designed, and what did you learn from the experience?

My interest in cosplay began when people commissioned me to create props and costumes for cosplay. As I worked on these projects for others, I developed a deep appreciation for the art and creativity of bringing fictional characters to life. 

The more I immersed myself in the art of cosplay and the cosplay community, the more passionate I became about the craft. Cosplaying has significantly influenced my work in other areas by enhancing my skills in detailed craftsmanship, creative problem-solving, and understanding of various materials and techniques.

The most challenging costume I’ve designed was the Hiccup cosplay from ‘How to Train Your Dragon 3’. Translating the proportions of an animated character into real life was incredibly challenging. It took me three months to craft the armour, during which I painstakingly crafted each and every single scale by hand. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in patience, precision, and perseverance. It also reinforced the importance of planning and breaking down a complex project into manageable tasks.

This challenge taught me the significance of attention to detail and the value of dedication in achieving high-quality results. The social interactions and friendships formed through cosplaying this character have also positively impacted my work, providing inspiration and a sense of community that fuels my passion for creating.

How do you keep up with new trends and technologies in your art and architectural fields?

Staying updated with new trends and technologies is crucial in art and architecture, as it allows me to innovate and improve my work continuously. I employ a multifaceted approach to keep up with the latest developments:

Experimentation and practice: I believe in hands-on experimentation with new materials, tools, and techniques; this helps me stay current and discover innovative ways to incorporate new technologies into my work.

Social media and online communities: Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn are excellent for discovering new trends and connecting with other creators. Online communities and groups dedicated to specific fields or interests are also great for staying updated and sharing knowledge.

Networking and collaboration: Engaging with fellow artists, architects, and professionals through conferences, seminars, and online forums is essential. Networking allows me to exchange ideas, learn from others’ experiences, and stay connected with the broader creative community.

Exhibitions, conventions, and trade shows: Attending exhibitions, trade shows, and industry events provides first hand exposure to the latest products, technologies, and trends. These events are invaluable for gaining inspiration and understanding how new developments can be applied to my work.

What are the most critical skills you’ve learned from each discipline that help you in your overall artistic career?

• Architecture

Spatial awareness and design: Understanding spatial relationships and how to design functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces has been fundamental. This skill translates well into model making and 3D art.

Technical precision: Architecture requires meticulous attention to detail and precision in measurements and drawings. This technical rigour is crucial in all aspects of my work, ensuring accuracy and quality.

Project management: Managing architectural projects has taught me to plan, organise, and execute complex tasks efficiently, a skill that is invaluable in all my creative endeavours.

• Designing

Creativity and innovation: Designing pushes me to think creatively and innovate continually. This mindset is essential for developing unique and captivating art, costumes, and props.

Problem-solving: Design projects often present challenges that require creative solutions. This problem-solving ability is vital in overcoming obstacles in various artistic projects.

• Sculpting

Three-dimensional thinking: Sculpting enhances my ability to think and work in three dimensions, which is crucial for creating realistic models, props, and costumes.

Material mastery: Understanding different materials and how to manipulate them effectively is a core skill in sculpting. This knowledge is transferable to other disciplines like model making and 3D printing.

• Model making

Attention to detail: Model making demands a high level of detail and craftsmanship, ensuring that even the smallest elements are accurate and well-crafted.

Scale and proportion: Working with different scales helps me maintain proper proportions in my designs and creations, whether they are large architectural models or small cosplay props.

• Costume and prop making

Fabrication techniques: Learning various fabrication techniques, from sewing to moulding and casting, has broadened my skill set and allowed me to create intricate and durable costumes and props.

Character interpretation: Bringing characters to life through costumes and props requires understanding their essence and details. This skill enhances my ability to create pieces that resonate with fans and audiences.

• 3D modelling and 3D printing

Digital proficiency: Mastering 3D modelling software and 3D printing technology enables me to efficiently design and produce complex and precise pieces.

Rapid prototyping: The ability to quickly prototype and iterate on designs using 3D printing has streamlined my creative process and allowed for more experimentation and innovation.

If you could collaborate with any artist or designer, living or dead, who would it be and why?

It would be Peter Jackson, the acclaimed filmmaker behind ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies. Jackson’s work is renowned for its epic storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and meticulous attention to detail, which resonate deeply with my artistic values and aspirations.

Collaborating with Jackson would be a dream come true because his ability to bring fantastical worlds to life with such depth and realism is truly inspiring. His innovative approach to filmmaking, particularly in integrating practical effects with cutting-edge digital technology, perfectly aligns with my interests in model making, prop creation, and 3D modelling.

Working with Jackson would provide an incredible opportunity to learn from his expertise in creating immersive and visually stunning narratives. His passion for storytelling would offer invaluable insights and inspiration for my projects. Additionally, his collaborative spirit and willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible in film would be a thrilling and enriching experience, allowing me to enhance my skills and expand my creative horizons.

PHOTOS © AISHWARYA TENNEKOON, ANJANA ASEL WEERASURIYA