Geometric shapes, colors, symmetry, symbolism, repetition. Crafting these elements into my mandalas is my meditation. Each one represents the heart and soul that was put into them, the fleeting sense of entrancement. To physically feel their patterns, to get lost in their movement, is what creates their mystique. Each mandala is unique, providing a unique meditation to any individual that interacts with it. I find it inspiring that sometimes, the material chooses the mandala: the perfect piece of stone, slate, wood, paper or glass already exudes the mandala’s mystical intention. I will paint and repaint until this intention is communicated and a sense of peace and happiness resonates.
My idea to paint mandalas originally comes from seeing the Tibetan monks sand ritual and Native American designs. “The mandala represents an imaginary palace that is contemplated during meditation. Each object in the palace has significance, representing an aspect of wisdom or reminding the meditator of a guiding principle. The mandala’s purpose is to help transform ordinary minds into enlightened ones and to assist with healing.”
My love of mandalas started about 20 years ago when I started drawing symmetrical designs to rediscover my life-long love of art. When my children were young we would collect rocks at the beach and my designs moved from paper to rocks to glass and have progressed to painting on any surface. Painting mandalas brings me peace and positive energy which I intentionally pour into every piece of art I create. I also incorporate wood carving or wood burning into some of my designs, especially the ones where I like to honor my Irish heritage and include carved Celtic knots in many of my designs.
I prefer to paint commissioned pieces in order to get color favorites and a vibe from the person I’m painting for.
My art is posted on my Website at www.mandalamystique.com, Instagram @mandala.mystique.art and Facebook at Mandala Mystique. You can also email me at [email protected].
