This week, The Sunday Morning Happinez shines its spotlight on Shayana Ravikumar, a 15-year-old artist and author who asserts that although art is often seen as a personal journey, with the proper support, it could also become a strong platform that helps young artists grow and connect.

I’ve heard a seasoned artist say that you have a passionate love and dedication for art, which shines through your work. What shaped you into this kind of person?

That’s very kind, thank you. I think my love for art comes from a lot of places. I’ve always been drawn to emotions, splashes of colours, and the little details in everyday life. Ideas and concepts constantly flow through my mind, so art has become a way to express my ideologies. That’s when I realised I am an artist and art became my healthy obsession. 

Growing up in Batticaloa, surrounded by its natural beauty and vibrant culture, I feel inspired daily. My parents have been a big part of my journey too; they always encouraged me in academics and to create, explore, and foster my imagination. When I paint or draw, it’s like I’m leaving a part of myself in my work and it gives me immense joy and satisfaction to strive to be a better artist.

You have said that art should be transformed into a form of entrepreneurship. Could you elaborate?

Art doesn’t have to be just a hobby; it can be a career and a way to support yourself while doing what you love. To me, entrepreneurship in art is about thinking creatively, not just with what you create but how you share it with the world. It could mean selling original works, doing commissions, creating a line of products based on your art, or even building a brand. 

Nowadays, we have many tools like social media, online shops, and digital portfolios, making reaching people who might appreciate and buy our art easier. If young artists explore these avenues, they can build a business around their passion and feel more encouraged to pursue it seriously. They can also feel a sense of joy knowing they are doing what they love.

Many in Sri Lankan society don’t see being an artist as a financially secure profession. What’s your perspective on this as a young artist?

Art has always been seen as a bit risky. But I think we’re in a new era where creative careers have much more potential, especially with the internet and how people appreciate unique perspectives. Sure, it’s challenging, but if we learn entrepreneurial skills, stay dedicated, and find our niche, there’s so much possibility. That’s why I’ve taken entrepreneurship studies as one of my subjects for my GCE Ordinary Level studies. 

We can also look beyond traditional art sales and find creative ways to share our work. It might mean taking a less conventional path, but it’s worth it if it means doing something you love. I’d rather take that chance and work hard to make it work than give up on my dreams because of fear. I think society is beginning to understand that too.

How did you start writing and what inspired you to begin?

Art and writing go hand in hand for me. They’re both ways to tell stories. My first children’s storybook, ‘A Canine Journey: From Stray to Family,’ was inspired by the stray dogs I see around my neighbourhood. I wanted to tell their story and share how we should treat everyone compassionately, even animals. 

Writing allowed me to do that in a way that was different from drawing or painting. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I had some extra time. Writing has helped me realise that my art doesn’t just have to be visual; it can come to life through words as well, and that has been such an exciting discovery.

Many authors take years, even decades, to publish a book. What motivated you to publish your first book – ‘A Canine Journey: From Stray to Family’ – at such a young age?

I was so excited about the story that I didn’t want to wait. I thought, why not just go for it? If you have something to say, you should share it, even if you’re young. Finding publishers was a challenge. Therefore, self-publishing was a way to make that happen and I loved the freedom it gave me to take charge of the whole process, from writing to illustrating and designing. 

Seeing my book in print was incredibly rewarding, and knowing people could read and connect with my story was the best feeling. I wanted to show that you don’t have to wait for permission or approval to follow your dreams; sometimes, you just need to take the leap. It would be great if publishers could support upcoming teen writers to publish their works. 

As a young artist and an author, what kind of support from organisations or communities would help young creatives like yourself thrive?

There’s so much that could make a difference. Organising workshops and mentorship programmes would be an incredible support. Learning from people with more experience can help us understand the creative and business sides of art and writing. 

Grants or scholarships would also be helpful, since materials and resources can be expensive. Establishing young artists’ and writers’ associations at district and national levels would be a great platform to bring artists together for learning and sharing. 

In addition, it would be great to have spaces where we can showcase our work, like at galleries, since there are none in Batticaloa. Art is often seen as a personal journey, but with the proper support, it could also become a strong platform that helps young artists grow and connect.

As a teenager, what is your request to the parents of children who want to pursue careers in art or literature?

Please believe in our dreams, even if they don’t seem like ‘safe’ options. Parents supporting their children’s passion makes such a huge difference – we feel braver and more confident. If we’re serious about art or writing, we’re willing to work hard to make it into something real. 

If parents were open to the idea that creative fields have value and can lead to successful careers, more children would have the courage to pursue what they love without fear of disappointing anyone. Just knowing that our families believe in us would mean everything.

You have said that your dream project is to hold an exhibition to raise funds for the education of underprivileged children. Where does this vision come from?

Education is a crucial and necessary foundation, and everyone deserves access to it. I strongly feel that if I have the talent and the platform, I should use it to give back and make a difference in someone else’s life. 

I imagine holding an exhibition where the funds raised could support education or buy school supplies for children who need them. Knowing my art could help someone achieve their dreams would be a huge accomplishment. It would make my art feel even more meaningful and personal. It’s a reminder that what we create can positively impact the world.

PHOTOS © CHARLES FERNANDO