The Familiar Imagination: Questions for Kavi Kariyawasam

Dec 19

Since immigrating from the island nation of Sri Lanka to the Bay Area in 2016, film photographer Kavi Kariyawasam has continued to find reflections of herself throughout the many coastal spaces of California. As a photography graduate from Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz and a newly-minted San Diegan, she’s using her camera as a way to explore her new city while sourcing the familiar in her imagination and the creatives that inspire her.

“I gear more towards women of color because that’s what I’m familiar with,” she said. “That’s what I grew up around. Since moving to the States, it’s been different and I want to make it more of a familiar environment again for myself and all the others like me.”

Pre-wedding Mehndi party (“henna party”), taken at Poway Equestrian Center

Safelight: What drives you to photograph female creatives in San Diego?

Kavi: I love capturing the energy and creativity that female creatives bring to what they do. For me, it’s about telling their stories and showing the world their passion, strength, and individuality in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

Safelight: As someone new to the city, how has your camera reflected your relationship with it?

Kavi: My camera has helped me notice the little details, everyday moments, and the stories unfolding around me … I’ve met so many amazing people because of my camera.

Swirl San Diego, local chapter of woman-founded skate collective

Chef Ayana, creator director behind Beautiful Flower

Safelight: How do you envision yourself as a photographer, and how would you like to represent yourself?

Kavi: I envision myself as a photographer who captures real people and connection — focusing on the raw beauty of people, places, and moments. I’d like to be represented as someone who tells stories through my images, whose work feels honest, relatable and inspires others to see the world a little differently. I want people to look back at their images and remember how it felt.