Metal Doodler

Explore the Captivating Creations of Metal Doodler

Salome Nanayakkara is a multifaceted artist and psychotherapist based in Sri Lanka. Her unique artistic approach is deeply intertwined with her professional background in counseling and psychosocial work. She earned her undergraduate degree in English and her master’s degree in counseling and psychosocial work from the University of Colombo, which has significantly influenced both her art and therapy practices.

Artistic Practice:
Salome’s art primarily involves the use of recycled metal and other found objects. This choice of medium reflects her commitment to sustainability and her ability to see beauty and potential in discarded materials. Her works are often intricate and thought-provoking, transforming everyday waste into compelling visual narratives. By repurposing these materials, she not only creates art but also makes a statement about environmental consciousness and the potential for renewal and transformation.

Themes and Inspiration:
Her art is deeply informed by her therapy practice, where she encounters a wide range of human emotions and experiences. Salome uses her artistic creations to delve into complex themes such as trauma, memory, and coping mechanisms. Each piece serves as a visual exploration of the human psyche, offering insights into the ways individuals process and navigate their emotional landscapes.

Trauma and Memory:
Salome’s work frequently addresses the impact of trauma and the processes of remembering and forgetting. Through her art, she aims to capture the fragmented and often chaotic nature of traumatic memories. Her pieces may incorporate jagged, rusted metal and broken objects, symbolizing the pain and disarray that trauma can bring. However, she also includes elements of reconstruction and healing, suggesting the possibility of recovery and integration.

Coping Mechanisms:
In exploring coping mechanisms, Salome highlights the various ways people adapt to and manage their emotional challenges. Her art may depict resilience and strength, as well as vulnerability and fragility. By using found objects, she illustrates how individuals can repurpose their experiences and emotions, finding new meanings and ways to move forward.

Professional Practice:
As a full-time psychotherapist, Salome’s professional insights and experiences deeply influence her artistic work. Her therapy practice provides her with a profound understanding of human behavior and emotions, which she translates into her art. This interplay between her two professions enriches both, as she uses her art to process and express the complexities she encounters in her clients’ stories, and her therapeutic skills to approach her art with empathy and depth.

Salome Nanayakkara’s dual roles as an artist and psychotherapist allow her to create art that is not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. Her work serves as a bridge between the tangible and the intangible, offering viewers a profound exploration of the human condition through the lens of recycled and repurposed materials.