What is a Mandala?
There are many sacred beliefs around Mandalas and they are used by Tibetan monks to aid meditation as a symbolic representation of the universe. Serving as a receptacle for the gods and as a collection point of universal forces to mentally enter the mandala and proceed on a journey towards its centre to gain insight.
Mandalas are used a lot in relaxation therapy and to draw one brings a sense of calm as you create repeating patterns which helps the mind relax.
In Sanskrit, mandala translates to “sacred centre” or “circle.” I personally like to see them as a life developing and evolving. You create them from the centre and they ripple outwards, growing and blooming just like our own lives do, never quite knowing how it will end up. Each round can represent a phase in our lives. You can plan certain parts of your life but sometimes things develop and take on a life of their own, just like when I’m creating a mandala. Some phases are complicated and detailed and may have deep meaning for us. Some are busy, bright, and impactful. Some are calmer and create a buffer with security and safety, but all are growing and rippling outwards. The longer we live, the more people we meet and connect with. The more we explore and experience, expands our knowledge, understanding and emotional maturity. Subsequently our life and understanding expands and grows just as a mandala does.
Can you walk me through your typical creative process from conception to completion?
For a mandala, preparation is key, setting up a wheel of guides is paramount to the finished effect. For me it’s the least exciting part of the process, but a very necessary one. I have a set of circle templates, one of which is a protractor to equally divide up the circle.
I choose a colour palette, usually with some sort of metallic inclusion as well as a splash of colour, but not too much! Sometimes I might sketch out some thoughts on how each round will look, the relationship between the previous round and the next. Also how they link together or overlap, and what kind of overall effect I’m after.
Then I begin drawing an outline of shapes, filling in with detail and repeating patterns as I go along, adding splashes of colour too.
I might touch it up with some dot work to give another layer of detail, rub out any pencil marks, touch up any background marks and finally finish with a spray of lacquer to protect it. Followed by taking lots of pictures of it!
How do you overcome creative blocks or challenges during your process?
I feel I need to be fully relaxed to begin painting as it’s the kind of process I need to lose myself in, so if there’s a chance I’ll be interrupted or distracted by something else I should be doing, I’ll put it off until I can focus properly. Sometimes I need to set aside the time to do that.
Are there any rituals or habits you have while working on your art?
I do have several pairs of glasses to help with longsightedness, depending on the time of day and if I’m wearing contact lenses or not! So, getting comfy with those is important. If I’m working on a smaller piece I do love to sit on the recliner sofa so I can see out the window while I’m working, and I’ll get all my tools and glasses ready so I don’t have to move!
How do you decide when a piece of art is finished?
In terms of size, and as I work from the centre outwards, it’s when the paper or canvas runs out! In terms of detail, it’s when I feel it’s detailed enough. Sometimes I go back towards the centre and add more.
How has your creative process evolved over the years?
My process is very similar to my early days and hasn’t evolved too much, but I feel more confident now, and I might plan a bit more before each piece to get the effect I’m after. I pay much more attention to the preparation and layout of the guides before I start.
What part of the creative process do you find most satisfying?
The middle part, after the planning and prep is done and I can just get going and draw.
How do you balance planning and spontaneity in creating your art?
I plan because these pieces take a long time to create so I don’t want to get halfway through and decide I don’t like it! I’ll work out the basic structure and have an idea of how I want it to look. I don’t plan too much of the detail and the spontaneity comes when filling it all in with detail. Sometimes I play round on my sample canvas and sometimes I just let the pen flow and see what comes out to fit the shape I’m filling.
How do you manage the practical aspects of art making, like storage and studio space?
I have a set of drawers for my tools in the dining/kitchen area which is where I do most of my work. The dining table is my main starting point and then once I get going, I might move to the recliner sofa by the window with a large cushion to rest my board on. I store finished pieces wrapped in paper and in boxes in a cupboard in the home office.
Can you explain your research process when starting a new piece?
Sometimes it’s a particular colour palette I want to create something in, so I’ll choose a set of inks before I start. I do look to other mandala artists to gain inspiration too. I have a small practice canvas that I try colours and patterns out on. I’ve painted over this several times now and therefore it’s got a story all of its own!
How do you incorporate feedback into your creative process?
I take on board ideas other people have suggested, and I try and consider them when creating my next piece. Sometimes people ask for something specific and that takes me in a completely new direction which is fantastic!
Who or what are your biggest artistic influences?
I often look to other mandala artists, particularly the dot mandalas, for inspiration. I am also drawn to Arabic and Moroccan detailing. There’s something about repeating patterns and detail that grabs me! I love looking at murals where artists have covered a whole wall in such tiny detail.
How do you find inspiration when it seems to elude you?
I admit I sometimes do tend to wait until it returns. For example, during covid when things were tough for us all, I found I lost that love of drawing and creating. It took a while for that to fully return and I didn’t feel like pushing it. But going to an exhibition or exploring somewhere new often helps and inspires me.
Can you describe a moment of inspiration that led to a breakthrough in your work?
It was more a breakthrough in why I began in the first place. Being a digital designer, using a screen all day, I wanted to get back to the raw-ness of drawing. I discovered mandala colouring books and devoured those. I then decided to get a sketch book and draw my own instead of colouring in someone else’s and it grew from there.
Could you explain the concept behind one of your most recent works?
After naming my biggest painting ‘Celestial’ because it was the biggest piece I’d ever done, I kept the space and cosmic theme of naming my paintings. My favourite one is called Northern Lights and was inspired by the blues and greens of the Aurora Borealis.
How do you choose the materials you use for your pieces?
It’s the feel of pen on paper or canvas, or the movement of a brush with paint that I love, so that’s why I use those mediums. However, canvas can give too much texture for pen in a detailed piece so drawing on paper or card works best for those pieces.
Have you ever dramatically altered or discarded a piece of art you were unsatisfied with?
Yes. I was exploring new things and wanted to try a 1920’s art deco style pattern but with a modem twist. I hated it! I wrapped it up to trial postage of my canvas art and it’s still wrapped up in the storage eaves of the home office!
What’s the most unique technique you’ve employed in your work?
After seeing other mandala artists dotting with dot tools or brush strokes, I feel that my pen and ink versions are quite unique.
What next after this exhibition?
I would like to exhibit more and share this style of art further. I’d also like to create a set of greetings cards and cushions to sell.
Bright and Bold Exhibition
Preview: Thursday 27th June, 5pm to 8pm. Come and take a peek before it’s open to the public on Friday 28th June. If you would like to attend the preview, click here to book your spot!
The exhibition will continue from Friday, June 28th to Sunday, June 30th, running from 11am to 4pm.