Gasping Print

Chamindra de Silva Abeyewickreme a hyper-real wildlife artist focuses on showcasing the unique beauty and wonder of the Natural world. Working mostly on threatened or endangered subjects he strives to help conservation, educate and create awareness regards these species. An autodidact in pencil and brush, his unique detailing style is evident in his works of art. Born in the tropical paradise island of Sri Lanka which boast of a rich multicultural, religious and ethnic history of over two millennia, in a little urban town named Dehiwala hugging the beautiful western coastal belt. As a little boy he experienced frequent vibrant sunset skylines and fondly recalls the many hours spent helping his grandmother in the garden who nurtured his love for nature. Growing up in a loving homely environment with two older siblings molded the character who he is today. The talent and passion for drawing was evident from a very early stage, as he vividly recalls the encouragement and guidance given by his mother together with a keen eye saw him drawing for many hours. Armed with pencil and paper he was in his element, one with the world around. It is this love, connection and passion that drives him today. Educated in a prestigious catholic all boy's school, St. Peter's College, Colombo (1981- 1994). His most loved subjects where Science and Art. As he climbed to the senior grades most school mates knew him as ‘the artist’ due to his standard in the subject. Being an average all-round student a highlight of his school sports career was representing the college hockey team which won the all Island Championship, under 13 and runners-up under 19 (1986 -1993). Concluding his school academic career he joined a local Television station as an Assistant producer of TV commercials, working his way through to a senior non-linear video/film editor. Professionally he was a highly motivated and experienced, non-linear editor, 2D & 3D graphic artist and compositor for over 20 years in varied system platforms. Attention to detail together with a novel creative, curious outlook fueled his passion to reach new heights. His work experience expanded internationally, one of his career milestone’s being working with Discovery Channel. Ironically it was though these very documentaries that he learnt the alarming rate in which the wildlife and nature are being destroyed and becoming extinct.