Meeting Channa

Channa Ekanayake is an artist in Colombo.  He also runs an Air B&B.  I'm so happy we got to stay there!

Channa is a quiet gentle man.  His art depicts Sri Lankan history and culture,  and tells stories.  In a gentle and interesting way.  During our stay at his Air B&B, we got to visit his studio and get insight into his painting process.

He's also a nature lover.  On his small property, he has grown a jungle.  With coconut trees, climbing vines, a frog pond, a fish pond, and a visiting monkey and 3 foot lizard!  In his notes, he reminds guests that the night creepy crawlers don't bite and asks that we just let them continue on their way.  Even the cockroaches! 

So when I saw a large spider in the shower, I named him George and let him hang out.  Happily, he was a perfect gentleman.  Stayed in his corner of the shower.  Made no unwelcome advances!

Pictures
1-Channa in his studio.  A small but really pleasant space.
2- Toby and Sudda, Channa's dog.  He agreed to care for this stray, but made sure she felt free.  On her first days at his house, he kept the gate open.  She left and came back a few times. Then decided it was a good home. 
3- 4 - In this painting, Channa tells the story of a bird that asks a girl to protect the unborn egg/chick from the onlooking cat.  Over time, the girl and bird become friends.  Eventually, the cat does too.  Sweet.
5 - Channa's sketchbook.
6- Toby looking kinda royal on a chaise in Channa's Air B&B
7-9- Some of Channa's paintings.
10-A painting in Channa's house.  Which has some very neat old furniture  It was his father's house.  Which he opened up for great light and ventilation.