• Panduka Somarathne De Silva on the craft of clay and how it transforms lives

Craft has always been about human emotion and creativity. From elegant pottery to clay work to ceramic designs, crafts have long been a part of shaping the beauty and culture of a landscape.  

One such creator who shapes our cultural landscape through the exploration of the craft of clay and sculpture is Panduka Somarathne De Silva; an artist, curator and instructor with a passion for craft, creativity, and collaboration. “Creating these stunning works of art is something that is quite close to my heart,” he said. “It is precisely these works that preserve our culture and heritage while enabling us to market Sri Lanka onto a global stage.”

Following his curation of a contemporary art exhibition which opened on 2 October at the San Melie Contemporary Art Gallery and closes on 31 October, The Daily Morning Brunch sat down with De Silva to focus on his journey as one of the premier experts in arts and crafts in the country. 

An early start 

De Silva could not remember a time where he was not influenced by his artistic passion. After completing his secondary education, he enrolled in the University of Visual and Performing Arts to learn about arts, crafts and Sri Lanka’s long artistic tradition. “I learnt a lot by studying the long history of art and craft in this country as well as the various artistic techniques that I still appreciate and use,” he said. 

By experimenting with various styles of pottery, clay technique and art, De Silva was able to find his passion for craft and the various benefits it provides. “When people touch clay for the first time, they’re not just molding a shape — they’re learning to be patient, to listen to the material,” he says. “It teaches balance, focus, and a sense of calm that most people do not have in this busy world.”

The art of clay work has often been passed down through generations and plays a large part in both urban and rural Sri Lankan life. While many of us think of clay art work as simply being limited to clay pots, De Silva assures us that there are various other works of art such as artisanal plates and vases that people often overlook.

“The thing with clay is that people often overlook it,” he said. “That is something that I want to change.”

Shaping the next generation of artists

For De Silva, art and craft is not something that should be guarded but shared. This is why he started Clay Vibes Academy; a fine arts academy focusing on clay, sculpture and painting. 

For many of his students, the experience goes beyond learning a craft. Clay has an emotional resonance that few materials possess. In a world filled with digital screens and hurried deadlines, the act of working with one’s hands provides a grounding antidote to modern stress. De Silva noticed how people walk into the studio tense and distracted, but after a few hours at the wheel, they leave with softened faces and lighter moods.

“Pottery, sculpture and art forces you to slow down,” he explains. “You can’t rush clay – if you do, it collapses. So, you learn patience, and in that patience, you rediscover a connection with yourself.”

De Silva said that art and craft has led many of his students to take a slower and more focused approach to life. It’s not unusual to see academics, industry leaders and even corporate professionals discovering the joys of arts and crafts.

“Of course, we were taught how to draw and how to play with clay in kindergarten and primary school,” he said. “But as we grow up, we are often taught that these skills are not essential and sometimes even a waste of time as we are increasingly being pressured into exams, cramming and eventually the corporate world.”

De Silva said that he does not limit his classes to adults but also welcomes children, helping them start their love for our culture from an early age. “We even have children from other countries coming to learn craft. I am proud to introduce them to Sri Lankan art and culture.”

Taking art all over the country

De Silva acknowledged the importance of pottery, sculpture, and creative work for our country and is dedicated to bringing his skills and expertise to new places. “Clay has been part of our culture for thousands of years,” he says. “From village pottery to temple sculpture, it’s always carried our stories. But it’s also a living material — it grows with each generation of artists.”

In order to reach a new generation of artists, De Silva’s academy conducts workshops throughout the country. He referenced the richness of Sri Lanka’s art and culture scene, noting how each region has their own unique differences and techniques that can teach us a lot about productivity and perseverance.

Alongside teaching art, De Silva also helps his students discover the creativity that has been laying dormant in them. He stated that in order for one to be an artist, one simply needs to make a genuine effort and be willing to learn.

“In addition to having classes in the heart of Colombo, we also have workshops in other places,” he said. “We had a sculpture and pottery workshop in Jaffna. Jaffna is an area that is steeped in arts and culture so we wanted to explore the area and all it has to offer. We also did a workshop in Kandy last year.”

In a system designed to push out fast-paced and often demanding lives, De Silva reminds us to slow down and remember what it means to be in touch with ourselves. “When you make something by hand,” he says, “you leave a part of yourself in it. That’s what makes art human.”