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Artist Statement

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Hey there fellow art lover,

I wanted to share a little bit about myself and my journey as an artist. I am not just an artist, but also a keen observer who finds joy in staring at the stars and the rain. Ever since I was a young child, I had a wild imagination. I would wake up before dawn and eagerly wait under an elephant ear in my garden, convinced that fairies were painting the flowers and dwarfs were tending to them. Little did I know that those magical moments would inspire me to become the artist I am today. My dad's bedtime stories fueled my imagination and sparked my love for art. I truly believe that observation and patience are key ingredients to mastering realism in my work. Being a self-taught artist, I have honed my skills through practice and dedication.

I come from a lineage of talented artists, with my paternal grandma and her mother having a knack for creativity. Art runs through my veins and has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I found myself captivated by the beauty and history surrounding the ancient artifacts and paintings that have been passed down through generations in my family. The stories and emotions that were captured in each brushstroke and carving spoke to me in a way that words never could. 

I was born (1970) and bred in the bustling city, but some of the fondest memories of my childhood were spent in the peaceful embrace of my grandma's country home. The sights, sounds, and smells of the countryside ignited a creative spark within me that would eventually guide me on my artistic path.


I was inspired by the radiant sunsets at the beach, the diverse wildlife that roamed the land, the earthy scents of burning clay and Copra from the nearby mills, and the refreshing breeze that whispered through the coconut groves and paddy fields along the Northwestern coast of the island.

As a young adult and working woman in the city, life was fast-paced and exciting. However, everything changed when I married and settled in the highlands, 6000 feet above sea level, with my husband and son. Surrounded by lush tea lands and abundant wildlife, I found a new sense of peace, serenity, and inspiration that fueled my passion for art like never before.

It was in the highlands that I truly began my artistic journey, dedicating myself full-time to creating pieces that reflected the beauty, majesty, and wonder of the world around me. Every stroke of the brush, every swirl of color, and every intricate detail in my artwork is a testament to the adventure and exploration that has shaped my life and my art.

                                                                                       

 Read about Maria through the eyes of a writer who became her art collector. 

Before the pandemic hit in 2019, I had the opportunity to visit the breathtaking paradise island, Sri Lanka. While hiking through the highlands, I stumbled upon a scene that would forever change my perspective on art. A sambar deer stood gracefully in its natural habitat, while an artist sat a few yards away, skillfully capturing its essence on canvas. Intrigued, I approached her, and what followed was a truly remarkable experience. .................

Memberships

Association of Animal Artists logo

Association of Animal Artists, UK

Original Art for Sale

Coming for You, wildlife painting by Maria Abeyesekere

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Country Roses framed painting by Maria Abeyesekere
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