Namali ARTISAN of the Month

 

 

 

  • Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).  

I am from Sri Lanka. I worked as a Secretary/PA for 15 years in Dubai for three world reputed organisations.  Two years back, I quit my job to be a full time mum. My favourite past times are Cross Stitching, Needlepoint, Crewel Embroidery, Ribbon Embroidery, Smocking, Designing girls dresses and other needlecrafts, but cross-stitching remains my passion.

 

 

  • What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from? 

My mother and two sisters are a big inspiration. They too, are very creative, talented and wonderful seamstresses. I bounce off ideas with them and when I am in Sri Lanka we often spend a lot of time admiring each others work.

 

My love for needlework began when I started working for Coats Total Emirates (Anchor Needlecraft Company). I was first introduced to cross stitch by my colleague, Rosemary who was the Merchandiser for Needlecrafts at the Company.  Each time I ran into her, she would be engrossed in yet another beautiful piece of needlework. This encouraged me to start dabbling in the art myself. Thus, my life long passion for needlecraft began

 

 

  • Greatest claim to fame (with respect to your craft) 

Being complimented by family, friends and ARTE visitors on my creations is gratifying.

 

Needle Craft hasnt just been just a thing to do as a past time, but a lovely way to show my appreciation for other people as I love making special gifts for friends, family and of course for the ARTE clients.

 

 

  • Where were you born  ? 

Sunny Colombo, Sri Lanka

 

 

  • How long have you been doing your craft ?  

A little more than 15 years

 

   

  • How did you learn your craft  ? 

I am a self-taught stitcher.  I learnt needlecraft when I was just 13, but put it down and returned when I was about 27.

 

 

  • Favourite film of all time  ?  

Cassandra Crossing  definitely!!

 

 

  • What was the last CD you bought ?  

CDs ??  Ill have to check with my daughter.   

 

 

  • Are you married ?  

Yes, I have been married for 21 wonderful years to Rohitha.

 

    

  • Do you have kids ?  if so please tell us more about them  

I have one daughter, Pasangi. She is doing her A levels and will be moving to the US to pursue her higher studies this August

 

 

  • How long have you been in the UAE ? 

18 years     

 

 

  • How long do you intend to stay in the UAE ? 

May be a few more years.

 

 

  • Do you belong to any other groups ? 

Yes, MSN cross stitch group.

 

 

  • What are your favourite materials? 

Fabric, Thread, & Needle

 

  • What is your favourite colour?  

White

 

 

  • What are you reading right now? 

The local newspapers keep me entertained J

 

 

  • Any tips on selling handmade stuff? 

Find out what appeals to people and focus your efforts on creating them.

 

 

  • Apart from creating things, what else do you do? 

Maintaining my garden is what takes up most of my spare time.

 

 

  • Your star sign  

Virgo

 

 

  • How can ARTE be improved ? 

In my opinion, all artisans should consistently take part in the monthly soukhs and not just when the shopping season sets in.

 

All the Artisans should get involved in the publicity campaign of these soukhs more actively.

 

Regular features on each individual member of the ARTE group could be published in magazines (e.g. : Friday Magazine) closer to the date of the soukh to draw more attention and more press coverage and Advertising.

 

You can Email Namali on namali@emirates.net.ae