About the artist

Born in Durban South Africa,Theshini obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Music) degree from the University of  Durban Westville. The conflicts and emotions arising from being East Indian, educated in a western idiom, living in an African landscape in apartheid South Africa, formed the backdrop to her journey into the visual arts. She recieved instruction in painting and drawing through a Natal University course from South African artist Fiona Kirkwood, but seemed drawn towards fibre as a medium. She is largely self taught in this medium and is adept at combining different techniques such as weaving, spinning, knitting and surface design to create works that range from large scuptural pieces to wall hangings and wearable art. She hand dyes her fibres to create a distinctly vibrant palette.

"It is innately satisfying to be able to take something from its raw state, eg., fleece or silk, and to be able to go through the process of washing, dyeing and then manipulating the fibre to produce a desired effect.The tactile, forgiving qualities of this medium seem to provide the perfect vehicle through which I can articulate the elements of my work." Theshini states.

Her earlier works were inspired by events in her personal life as well as the visual influences of the Drakensberg mountains in the Province of Natal, South Africa. Subsequent works include Canadian landscapes from Newfoundland, Ontario, and now British Columbia, where she resides with her family.

Theshini's work comes from her sense of harmony,connection and involvement with nature.

"I am influenced directly by my natural surroundings. Using elements in nature my intent is to try to explore the innate interconnectedness in the universe and in doing so establish a sense of meaning and purpose in my own life within this broader context. Creativity in the natural world is indeed vast. I feel fortunate to have been able to tap into this process within myself and thus provide a path for self development."