We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gamini a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gamini thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

We built with Wildlife Conservation Society Galle an educational and conservation center in Sri Lanka in memory of our daughter Natalie which is walking distance from Sinharaja rainforest a world heritage site and primary rain forest park/ forest reserve in Sri Lanka. I am currently illustrating a book on Sinharaja rainforest and it includes mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, fish and plants and trees found in this beautiful region. Our daughter was a wildlife and conservation major at University of Reno and Striker on their soccer team. She attended for 3 years. Her desire was to work in Sri Lanka with endangered species and wildlife. Unfortunately we lost her at age 22 to an atrial venous malformation or brain hemorrhage. This center keeps her smile present with us and allows students of nature, the arts, and artists to stay and create and share their work with others it allows Buddhist monks to gather and research medicinal plants and enjoy the beauty and serenity that surrounds the Natalie Ratnavira Educational Center located at Sinharaja Base camp. It is an extension of her love for nature and our families love for her beautiful spirit.

Gamini, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a wildlife artist I have focused my artwork as realistic windows of nature exploring symbiotic relationships and how the environment works with the flora and fauna I create. I have been a professional artist for over 55 years and exhibit internationally. My website is www.gaminiratnavira.com. I have depicted postage stamps, logos, murals as well as illustrating over a dozen books on the beauty of nature.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Sharing my love for nature on canvas! I paint in oil, watercolor, acrylic and on canvas, paper, clapboard. My goal is to bring you into the forest, the leaf litter, the sun dappled leaves, the memories of your favorite place to visit. I hope to create a feeling of peace and desire to preserve such sanctuaries in nature for future generations.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During the war in Sri Lanka I had to leave and enter a new country, the USA. I rebuilt my career and learned techniques to exhibit and create and showcase my work. In time I became a citizen and have owned my own business here since 1986 Hidden Forest Art Gallery. I am grateful to both countries and beyond ecstatic to still return Sri Lanka for exhibits, conservation projects and through our daughter Natalie’s center teaching the next generation about conservation wildlife art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gaminiratnavira.com
• Instagram: @gaminiratnavira
• Facebook: @hiddenforestartgallery
• Youtube: source:%20YouTube
• Yelp: Hidden Forest Art Gallery
• Other: https://www.thehummingbirdcollection.com

  All 365 species of hummingbirds painted by Gamini Ratnavira first time in history

Image Credits

Lisa Ratnavira