Kavitha Jeyakumar (KJS)
Kavitha Jeyakumar (KJS) – International Fine Artist, Educator, Entrepreneur & Community Leader
Kavitha Jeyakumar, widely known as KJS, is a Sydney-based award-winning fine artist, educator, entrepreneur, art therapist, illustrator, judge, and community leader. Her journey from Sri Lanka to Australia is a story of resilience, creativity, and empowerment. With more than 500 artworks exhibited internationally and a legacy of inspiring lives through art, Kavitha is a trailblazer and role model for women everywhere.
Artistic Brilliance
Kavitha’s bold use of color, emotion, and storytelling defines her signature style. Her works explore themes of identity, womanhood, and cultural harmony. Blending traditional and contemporary techniques, her art bridges heritage and innovation. Her exhibitions across the globe reflect her influence as an international creative voice and cultural ambassador.
Awards and Recognition
Kavitha’s artistic and social contributions have been celebrated with several prestigious awards including the Gargi Woman of the Year Award, Western Sydney Women Award, and recognition as a finalist in the Australian Small Business Champion Awards.
Founder and Educator
In 2016, she founded KJS Brush & Canvass Art School in Sydney to create inclusive access to quality art education. Today, it operates with 10 branches across Sydney and global online programs. From children to seniors, including students with special needs, Kavitha has empowered thousands of learners and guided them to succeed in programs like HSC Visual Arts, Operation Art, Young Archies, and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Entrepreneur and Champion for Women
With a background in business administration and accounting, Kavitha has transformed her art school into a successful enterprise. Her adult art programs focus on empowering women and creatives to build professional art careers and small businesses. Through her leadership, she has become a voice for migrant women, artists, and educators seeking to thrive in Australia’s creative economy.
Art Therapy and Mental Health Advocacy
As a qualified art therapist, Kavitha delivers therapeutic art programs for individuals facing ADHD, dementia, autism, trauma, and emotional challenges. Her sessions across aged care centres, disability organizations, and mental health support groups use the power of art to heal, connect, and uplift. Her work demonstrates the deep intersection of creativity and compassion From refugee mothers to corporate teams, Kavitha’s workshops create safe, expressive spaces where participants can learn, connect, and heal. Highlights include:
Signature Works & Commissions
Media & Publications
Kavitha’s story has been featured by major platforms including SBS, SBS Tamil, SBS Sinhala, Multicultural NSW, and numerous global publications.
She leads multiple signature creative initiatives:
- Sketch with KJS
- KJS Art 4 Kids
- KJS Art Tutorial
- KJS Art Show
Through these programs, Kavitha hosts engaging tutorials and interviews with artists, providing education, inspiration, and a creative platform for emerging talent.
Her journey is also featured in the book "Inspiring Indo-Australian Women Who Made a Difference" by Harmohan Walia—a powerful collection of 50 stories celebrating extraordinary women. Kavitha is deeply honoured to have her story included among these inspiring voices.
In addition, Blacktown News profiled her as a visual artist, educator, and art therapist. The article highlighted her impactful work through KJS Brush & Canvass, celebrating her mission to make art healing, inclusive, and empowering.
Read & Listen
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Read the full article: Blacktown News – May 2021 Edition
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Listen to the interview: SBS – How to Improve Your Quality of Life
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Listen to the interview: SBS – Blacktown City Local Business Awards Winner Kavitha Jeyakumar
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Listen to the interview: SBS Sinhala – Talks Therapy Through Art and Her Solo Exhibition in Sydney
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Watch the video: Thayagam, Australia – "Paintings in My Life"
Community Leadership and Inclusion
Kavitha collaborates with councils, schools, and nonprofits to bring art to underrepresented communities. She curates community projects, runs inclusive workshops, and contributes to cultural and charitable events. Her commitment to community engagement is grounded in values of equity, empathy, and empowerment.
Justice, Culture & Education
Kavitha partners with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to deliver transformative art programs in correctional centres. Her Aboriginal-inspired painting sessions empower inmates to reconnect with their heritage, purpose, and emotional healing.
This work led to her collaboration with the NSW Federation of Tamil Schools (NSWFTS), which selected Kavitha to illustrate artworks for the Year 8 Tamil Language Textbook, now used across all Australian states and New Zealand as part of the HSC Tamil curriculum—championing culturally inclusive education through art.
Judge and Mentor
Kavitha is a highly respected judge and mentor, regularly invited to evaluate prestigious art competitions such as
Operation Art, Young Archies, various council art events, the
Hindu Council of Australia’s Rangoli Competition for Adults ,
NKSSP’s Kids Art Competition, and the national Thirukural Art Contest.
Since 2018, she has also served as a judge and gallery curator for SAFAL Fest, celebrating South Asian artists aged 18 and over.
Her sharp eye for artistic excellence, combined with her fairness, deep experience, and ability to inspire, has earned her immense respect across the art community.
Kavitha’s guidance has helped countless young and emerging artists confidently pursue their creative dreams while upholding artistic integrity.
Global Reach
Kavitha’s creative influence extends far beyond Australia through her international exhibitions, global workshops, and online art programs. Her work fosters cross-cultural dialogue, allowing her to share her distinctive artistic style and passion with audiences around the world. From virtual classrooms to global stages, Kavitha builds meaningful connections through the universal language of art.
Global Changemaker
As a cultural ambassador and art educator, Kavitha connects Australia with South Asia and beyond through international collaborations, live painting performances, and virtual outreach. Her inspiring presence at global events, community initiatives, and educational programs continues to unite and empower diverse communities through creativity, compassion, and art therapy.
Personal Style & Cultural Explorer
Kavitha is not only known for her vibrant artworks but also for her elegant personal style. She has a deep love for wearing sarees and traditional jewelry, which has earned her a devoted following who admire her graceful and colorful fashion. A passionate traveler, Kavitha enjoys exploring new countries, cultures, and cuisines. Her journeys across India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Philippines have deepened her appreciation for diverse traditions, religions, clothing styles, and food. These experiences continuously inspire her art, teaching, and community work—bringing a truly global and inclusive touch to everything she creates.
A Legacy of Empowerment
From a small town in Sri Lanka to building an international brand in Australia, Kavitha Jeyakumar embodies the spirit of courage, leadership, and transformation. She is not just an artist—she is a powerhouse woman using her talents to elevate others and create lasting change through art, education, and advocacy.
Kavitha Jeyakumar (KJS) continues to inspire as a shining example of how art can empower, connect, and lead. Her journey is a living canvas of strength, vision, and compassion.
Justice, Culture & Education
Kavitha partners with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to deliver transformative art programs in correctional centres. Her Aboriginal-inspired painting sessions empower inmates to reconnect with their heritage, purpose, and emotional healing.
This work led to her collaboration with the NSW Federation of Tamil Schools (NSWFTS), which selected Kavitha to illustrate artworks for the Year 8 Tamil Language Textbook, now used across all Australian states and New Zealand as part of the HSC Tamil curriculum—championing culturally inclusive education through art.
Judge and Mentor
Kavitha is a highly respected judge and mentor, regularly invited to evaluate prestigious art competitions such as Operation Art, Young Archies, various council art events, the Hindu Council of Australia’s Rangoli Competition for Adults , NKSSP’s Kids Art Competition, and the national Thirukural Art Contest.
Since 2018, she has also served as a judge and gallery curator for SAFAL Fest, celebrating South Asian artists aged 18 and over.
Her sharp eye for artistic excellence, combined with her fairness, deep experience, and ability to inspire, has earned her immense respect across the art community. Kavitha’s guidance has helped countless young and emerging artists confidently pursue their creative dreams while upholding artistic integrity.
Global Reach
Kavitha’s creative influence extends far beyond Australia through her international exhibitions, global workshops, and online art programs. Her work fosters cross-cultural dialogue, allowing her to share her distinctive artistic style and passion with audiences around the world. From virtual classrooms to global stages, Kavitha builds meaningful connections through the universal language of art.
Global Changemaker
As a cultural ambassador and art educator, Kavitha connects Australia with South Asia and beyond through international collaborations, live painting performances, and virtual outreach. Her inspiring presence at global events, community initiatives, and educational programs continues to unite and empower diverse communities through creativity, compassion, and art therapy.
Personal Style & Cultural Explorer
Kavitha is not only known for her vibrant artworks but also for her elegant personal style. She has a deep love for wearing sarees and traditional jewelry, which has earned her a devoted following who admire her graceful and colorful fashion. A passionate traveler, Kavitha enjoys exploring new countries, cultures, and cuisines. Her journeys across India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Philippines have deepened her appreciation for diverse traditions, religions, clothing styles, and food. These experiences continuously inspire her art, teaching, and community work—bringing a truly global and inclusive touch to everything she creates.
A Legacy of Empowerment
From a small town in Sri Lanka to building an international brand in Australia, Kavitha Jeyakumar embodies the spirit of courage, leadership, and transformation. She is not just an artist—she is a powerhouse woman using her talents to elevate others and create lasting change through art, education, and advocacy.
Kavitha Jeyakumar (KJS) continues to inspire as a shining example of how art can empower, connect, and lead. Her journey is a living canvas of strength, vision, and compassion.
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Portray Late. Dr Kalaingar M Karunanidhi as a souvenir of the condolence meeting.
EXSHIBITION
