While Anuka Mendis studiously analyzes the functioning of different types of cells and revels in the challenges in the field of molecular biology, she is taunted by the new ideas for jewellery designs which casually stroll into her mind.
As the cheeky name of her very own line of jewellery- ‘Get Stoned’- would suggest, the art of putting stones and silver together is something of an addiction for Anuka. “Apart from my love of science I have many interests like dancing and swimming, and anything artistic,” she says, speaking of the creativity which has been part of her for as long as she can remember; as far back as kindergarten where she fashioned a jewellery box out of macaroni. “But out of everything else, art and designing is something that I find myself returning to.”
For Anuka, the desire to design something new is an almost inadvertent tendency. “I like to sit in bed with a paper and pen on my lap and just draw, but most often, ideas decide to present themselves when I am in the middle of studying,” she chuckles.
For example, she might be studying DNA structures when the thought occurs that what she sees in front of her just might be “a cool shape.” From that point on, putting the idea aside for the time being is impossible. “So I scrabble about for a piece of blank paper,” she says, “do a rough sketch of the idea as soon as possible and then get back to work!”
A past pupil of St. Bridget’s Convent and subsequently, Colombo International School, at 23 years of age Anuka holds a degree in Animal Sciences (incidentally, some of her designs are inspired by animals) from the University of Nottingham and is now in the process of completing a Masters in Molecular Life Sciences at the University of Colombo- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology.
While striving towards the goal of becoming a Researcher for National Geographic, the ambition to launch her own line of jewellery is one which has been lying around for a while. Inspired by Ridheemini- her mother’s line of jewellery, Anuka began to create designs at the beginning of this year.
“I think my mother’s work as a colour therapist has had a lot of influence on my designs,” she says, explaining her use of colour.
“As you can see, I don’t generally go for really bright colours,” she continues, indicating her fingernails which are painted in gothic black, “but I also like throwing in unexpected splashes of colour here and there.”
The effect created by the splashes of colour is a fun, funky and yes, slightly cheeky touch to the elegant designs. The stones which give the jewellery its name sparkle in their silver settings, appealing to differing preferences, be it an understated, classy look or bold, vibrant one.
Anuka speaks of the anticipation and slight apprehension that sets in when she waits to see how a design looks when executed. “There is a risk involved- with every design,” she says.
“What looks great on paper may not look as good when it’s the real thing.” However Anuka’s background in science makes thinking in 3D an instinct. “We’re always taught to think in 3D, and I never expected it but I guess that is another way of making use of science in designing.”
Each design is handmade. Once Anuka is satisfied with her sketches, she sends them over to Jana Prasad Madawala who sits in his workshop in Kandy and brings the designs to life.
“It doesn’t matter how complicated or intricate the design may be,” comments Anuka- “he always completes it to perfection.” Madawala as it happens, is no stranger to challenging designs, having crafted jewellery for the Lebanese royal family before his return to Sri Lanka last year.
Part of the newly launched lineup is Anuka’s Christmas collection. “I decided to go with white stones, mostly; because I felt that the effect looked Christmassy,” she explains, indicating the frosty white sparkle of the jewellery.
Visit the ‘Get Stoned’ page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Get-Stoned/275852445791230. |
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