Ama Liyanage is a contemporary artist and printmaker crafting whimsical paintings from her home studio in Kitchener, ON. She draws inspiration from cherished childhood memories in Sri Lanka and the simple, often overlooked joys of everyday life.
Having nurtured a fondness for jigsaw puzzles since her early years, Ama revels in the intricacies and hidden nuances that sometimes link her paintings together. She takes great pleasure in the thought of perceptive observers discovering the minuscule painted details in her artwork, each one narrating a story or invoking a touch of humor.
She embarked on an exploration of rediscovering creativity in adulthood and the transformative journey of embracing art as a vocation. This journey began with a reflection on the power of relaxation, a departure from the years spent wrestling with the notion of self-worth tethered solely to productivity. Through her canvases, Ama proudly amplifies the voices of women of color, reclaiming spaces historically devoid of their representation.
Ama Liyanage
As Guest Curator at Minds Eye Studio Art Gallery and Yoga Studio, I am pleased to present Roots and Reverie, a solo exhibition of Ama’s work at the gallery from July 1-28th . Private viewings are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 1 pm and 6 pm, and the artist reception will be on Friday July 19th from 7:30-10 pm. Event info is here.
Artist Statement
Roots and Reverie is a celebration of artistic rebirth and the profound connection between past and present. This exhibition delves into the journey of reimagining one's creative roots, blending early inspirations with contemporary insights.
At its heart is the creation of a painting of the artist's grandmother, Seeli, a woman whose strength and wisdom have been a lifelong source of inspiration. It serves as a visual tribute to the passion ignited in early childhood, honoring tradition while infusing contemporary layers of meaning.
Through this body of work, the artist embarks on a deliberate act of personal reinvention, celebrating resilience, diversity, and the empowering capacity of reconnecting with one's roots. The paintings capture intimate moments of connection, whether through laughter or somber conversations, often centered around the warmth of sisterhood across generations. By imagining scenes where women of color inhabit spaces historically denied to them, the series honors rest and relaxation untethered from the demands of productivity.
Roots and Reverie invites viewers to witness the profound transformation of identity, embracing the past to forge a vibrant, authentic artistic future.
“I want to honor my roots while embracing experimentation and the inevitable mistakes that come with growth.”
Earlier this year you were in The Artist Project, in the Untapped section. What was that experience like for you?
It was an invaluable experience! It was my second year applying and I was so thrilled to be selected as an artist in the Untapped section this year. This was my first big art fair, so I experienced many firsts, from the preparation stage all the way to tear-down. I cherished the heart to heart conversations I had with people. Pouring your heart into your paintings in the comfort of your studio is one thing, but talking to people about the inspiration behind your art was an entirely new experience. Over the four days, I had the chance to do just that! It was incredibly rewarding to know that my paintings resonated with people, especially women of color. I am excited to participate again next year.
Tell me about your website and Instagram name, Greyish Teal.
Whenever people asked about my favorite color, I would always say, "a greyish teal." So, I decided to make that my Instagram handle. While my favorite color has changed over time, I still find myself drawn to that shade. It feels fitting to keep it as a reminder of my evolving creative journey and the colors that continue to inspire me.
What was the catalyst that led you to reflect on the power of relaxation and rediscovering creativity in adulthood?
I can't pinpoint a specific moment, but being stuck in an unfulfilling career eventually led to burnout. Growing up with extremely high expectations and being praised for output and achievements was challenging. There were significant expectations, especially considering the sacrifices my parents made to move to a new country leaving behind comfort, familiarity and loved ones. This created a sense of internalized shame around pursuing a career in the arts, so I relegated it to a "backup plan."
I spent years not picking up a paintbrush and dwelling on the "what ifs." It was a difficult journey, but ultimately a profound and liberating one. Being surrounded by fellow artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds and ages helped immensely.
Art has always been a part of my life in some way, but fully embracing it as a career took a lot of courage. Rediscovering creativity in adulthood allowed me to appreciate the power of rest without guilt. It has been a transformative experience, helping me find fulfillment and balance in my life.
What advice do you have for anyone who may be going through a journey of realizing that their self-worth is more than their productivity?
I am still on that journey, and it takes daily reminders to maintain this mindset. Do more of what brings you joy and treat yourself with compassion. Invest time and effort into fostering meaningful relationships. Surrounding yourself with people who appreciate you for who you are, not just for what you do has been very important. Remember, your worth is intrinsic and not measured by your productivity.
What is your creative process?
80% of it is planning. It all begins with flipping through my sketchbooks and deciphering my scribbles and notes. Some ideas come to fruition quickly, while others sit for months before I revisit them. Sometimes, planning and painting happen in one sitting; other times, it's a more drawn-out process. It varies from painting to painting and can be quite haphazard.
Typically, I start by creating a few compositions of an idea, developing the color palette, sketching, and then painting. Depending on the medium I use, the painting stage can vary. While I primarily work with watercolor, I've been experimenting with oil paints recently. I love watercolor for its loose, unforgiving nature, but oil allows for more tweaking and lets me slow down.
Growing up, I loved jigsaw puzzles, and I enjoy making my paintings as detailed as those childhood puzzles. I have vivid memories of their tiny details and like to recreate that feeling in my work. In a series of paintings, I often hide small details that connect them, adding an extra layer of intrigue and continuity.
Seeli is a painting of your grandmother. All the pieces in this exhibition feature female figures. Are the other figures also based on women you know?
Absolutely! I draw endless inspiration from the women in my life—my mother, sister, friends, and even brief encounters with strangers. The painting "Lean On" embodies the deep bond between my mother, sister, and me. We see our mother as an honorary sister, and throughout different stages of life, we have leaned on each other for strength and support. This artwork celebrates sisterhood, highlighting our mutual support and unwavering connection.
These relationships continue to evolve, and I find joy in exploring the dynamic between my sister and me, as well as between my mother and her sister. There are timeless elements that unite us—simple rituals like sharing a cup of tea and ginger biscuits, which bring us closer together.
What does a vibrant, authentic artistic future look like to you?
I cherish the solitude of my studio, where I create solely for myself, free from external distractions. This environment allows me to stay true to my authentic self, avoiding the temptation to create solely for commercial appeal. Even if only a few people find solace in my paintings, that connection is profoundly meaningful to me. I want to honor my roots while embracing experimentation and the inevitable mistakes that come with growth.
What do you want people to take away from this exhibition?
Growing up, the portrayals of women of color in paintings often felt one-dimensional, focusing predominantly on labor or their roles as wives and mothers. This narrow portrayal overlooks the rich, diverse experiences and inner lives of these women. By presenting them in moments of rest, support, and celebration, I want to depict their joy and vibrancy, offering a more nuanced and empowering representation that acknowledges their full humanity.
Follow Ama on Instagram.
Interview by Glodeane Brown
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