Harini Weeratunga – Born an Artist
by Staci Sargent
I have always been moved by art—dance, music, sculpture, painting, and culinary creations. It excites my mind and heightens my senses. Imagine my joy when I was presented the opportunity to become the coach of a very talented young woman from Christchurch, New Zealand. Harini Weeratunga came to NACD at 7 years old. Her mother, Aruni, stumbled across NACD while searching for resources for Harini, who has a XXX chromosome pattern. Aruni has told me, when speaking about her family’s journey with NACD, that, “They showed me how to open doors…to have no limits in exploring opportunities and how to celebrate my daughter and lift her up for all the gifts and talents she has. Not to be bogged down by negatives…there was a way to circumvent everything.”
By the time I had the honor of working with Harini and Aruni, Harini was a very diversified artist. Aruni has said, “It was evident from the beginning that Harini loved and enjoyed color. So she started with color by numbers art, which over the next few years grew to be more complex.” Harini has drawn, painted with many mediums, become an accomplished weaver, was accepted into the weaving guild of New Zealand, and is a force in the kitchen. I am always excited to see an email from Aruni, because I know I will get to see Harini’s newest creation.
Last week, I got a real treat! I opened an email to see this beautiful mural, a mural painted on the local special needs library in Christchurch, New Zealand that Harini and a fine arts student, Rebecca, worked on. Aruni tells me that Rebecca did most of the design, but together over the course of 4-5 days, Harini and Rebecca created something very special.
I am sure there will be a time when we share Harini’s full journey with you, obstacles, challenges, and tears. But, today I just want to celebrate her!
Harini, I am awed by you! I am moved by you! I celebrate you!
NACD Newsletter, May 2018 ©NACD
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Update 2019!
Harini has continued to create art and express herself through her very unique talent. This year she was selected as one of 30 finalists for the IHC Art Awards in New Zealand. Out of the initial 400 entries and the 30 finalists, Harini placed 4th overall. At the Gala event her beautiful floralscape auctioned for $650. The impactful way she uses color has enriched my life and I know that she has enriched many lives around her. Congratulations Harini! Thank you for sharing your gift!
