Objects of art with a modern twist— these are unique creations of beadwork artist Sharmini Wirasekara.
Each stunning work of art takes weeks of meticulous planning and research. Her pieces are made with a special type of glass bead, which result in a flat, or three-dimensional, fabric-like patterned surface where every square inch contains nearly three hundred beads. Through her work, Sharmini seeks to raise the appreciation of contemporary beadwork, cultivating an awareness of this recently internationally recognized visual art form that has traditions dating back millennia. Her work is held in permanent collections, including the Museum of Arts and Design, NYC, and other private collections. Sharmini currently lives in Vancouver, Canada and London, UK.
Meet Sharmini Wirasekara
Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Sharmini Wirasekara began her professional journey as an accountant after completing her Accounting and Business degree. Following eight years in the business world, including two years in Holland, she relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 1988, where she began to fully explore her lifelong passion for the arts.
Interplay of light and glass, technique and inspiration.
Sharmini spends countless hours exploring new ideas and experimenting with various techniques during the weaving process. She utilizes beads of differing densities, colour and opacity to create stunning, shimmering effects. Intricate and ornate, her sculptural conceptions captivate the viewer’s eye, taking them on a journey through history and memory, dreams and visions.
Creative Process
- The design of a new piece begins with researching the theme and creating multiple rough sketches.
- Once the design is finalized, Sharmini makes a paper model of the piece.
- The dimensions of the model are then translated into beads per inch and the design is drawn on special beading graph paper. Pattern is filled in using coloured pens.
- The beads are then selected and the beading begins.
- Beads are woven following the graphed pattern horizontally, using relevant beading technique.
- Sharmini favours working with a particular Japanese cylindrical glass bead called “Delica”. Approximately 300 of these beads make up a square inch of woven area.
- The design is often woven in separate sections and then joined.
- Accent beads and fixtures maybe added on.