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Creativity in the time of a crisis
View(s):Some people who have lost their jobs and income sources due to the COVID-19 pandemic have turned to creative means to earn money. A few of these people have begun making artistic products from discarded materials such as old tyres, rims and wires. They made sculptures, flower pot holders and different types of ornaments.
Pix and text by Priyantha Wikramaarachchi
Mahen de Silva who creates and sells unique ornaments made out of old rubber tyres, said this was his new source of income after he lost his job at a boat service in the Madu Ganga.
He had decided to buy a shop in front of a tile store in Colombage Mawatha at Kirulapone, to sell his ornaments.
“I used discarded three wheeler tyres to create flower pot holders shaped to look like toucan birds. The tyres are cut into pieces and bound with metal wires. Afterwards they are painted,” Mr. de Silva said.
He said it takes only a couple of days to make one such ornament. He also makes flower pot holders which look like swans. He said these ornaments too can be created within a week, but they take a little more time as he needs to use a cataloy filler.
“I follow internet videos, and make these pot holders from discarded tyres I buy from tyre shops,” Mr. de Silva said.
“These sculptures are made from discarded tyres which get filled with water during the rainy season. Therefore, through art and recycling, I have addressed environmental pollution issue as well as the dengue menace,” he added.
Mahen de Silva
He uses discarded three wheeler tyres which are cut into pieces, bound with metal wires and then painted.
Making different kinds of flower pot holders is Mahen de Silva's new source of income. He makes these unique ornaments made out of old rubber tyres.
Due to the current COVID situation, many people lost their sources of income, but some have unleashed their creative streak to earn money.
Mr de Silva is skilled at making one such creative ornaments within a few days. He purchases old tyres from tyre shops.