Afternoons of friendship and sewing unfold in an exhibition
Years ago, a group of four ladies found their way to Andrea Boekel’s sewing and knitting classes. A name synonymous with the art of embroidery and sewing in Sri Lanka, Andrea’s classes offered her students more than a how-to-sew programme.
For Nirmala Gunawardane, the classes went beyond learning new techniques and styles for Andrea inspired her enthusiastic students to try out new and different techniques she picked up from her travels.
The hours they spent chatting and sewing together saw friendships blossom embedded on a love for needlework and art.
The ‘sewing class’ friends are now preparing for their first joint exhibition “Living Arts in Symphony”.
Leading the brigade is Norma Perera. Currently residing in Australia, the exhibition, the others insist is an opportunity for needlework enthusiasts to see and learn from Norma.
The only Sri Lankan in the Embroiders Guild of Australia Norma has also won many a competition. Thanks to her long standing love for needlework there was always a piece of sewing folded up in her handbag.
A teacher by profession, at 80, Norma’s spark for learning is little diminished. Some of her work for the exhibition uses techniques such as Sardinian knotted embroidery and Myrishca which she learnt while in Australia.
The exhibition will showcase close to 200 pieces of needlework, including model rooms providing a cosy backdrop for the baby clothes, embroidery and linens.
Exhibiting with Norma are Mala Zoyza and M. Srikanthi Karunatileka. Growing up alongside her cousin Norma, Srikanthi, the former Manager of Interior Decor at the Galadari will be showcasing a collection of fabric paintings along with Christmas themed poinsettias.
While this will be a first major exhibition for them, Nirmala is quite used to the last minute scramble as they put together the finishing touches to their pieces; having held her own exhibitions before.
Silk paintings of butterflies and her ribbon embroidery are some of the additions to the mound of intricate, snowy tablecloths and doilies piled up on the table stitched by Mirani Heyzer; the group’s “Lace Lady”.
Leading the brigade: Norma Perera. Pix by M.D. Nissanka
For the ladies it all comes down to what they learnt during those afternoons with Andrea. “There’s still so much to learn,” adds Norma energetically, while the rest agree. “We hope others will get an idea from our work. We want to share our knowledge.”
Living Arts in Symphony- an exhibition of exquisite embroidery and handcrafted gifts for Christmas will be held at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery from November 27 to 29 from 5.30 p.m. to 8 .p.m. (Saturday and Sunday will be from
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
For further details refer to their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/livingartsinsymphony