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Mandala Artistic Statement

I started to seriously work the Mandala into my art in late August of 2011.  This painting is one foot square and it explores Wind Energy.  This is my Artistic Statement for this series: My paintings explore natural forms of energy and they employ Islamic patterns and Native American basketry designs which are digitally manipulated and layered starting with a foundation of acrylic skins.  Islamic patterns have many universal themes, while also embodying sacred geometry.  They offer the opportunity to engage with pure abstraction and are open-ended, lending themselves to various interpretations, yielding to the vision of the artist.  Native American basketry designs are powerful circular forms that also utilize patterns that speak to the human condition, life cycles, ceremony and ritual.  Bringing the two diverse iconic cultural expressions together imbues my work with transformative power.  I use the Mandala format because it is healing and soothing to me as an artist on the path to physical and spiritual healing.  Mandala offers a double helix healing because it also offers that same healing potential I derive as an artist to every viewer who takes the time to experience the paintings fully.  Color theory figures prominently into the work.  My paintings hinge on color and shapes to portray various types of natural sunlight, wind, water and other forms of clean energy.  It is my hope that my work will inspire and touch the viewer while also serving as a gentle reminder of all the forms of natural healing energy around us.
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  1. Cheryl FinleyDecember 14, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    Hi Stephanie,
    Oh.. thank you so much for sharing your blog, and this post with us at the Mandala Oasis Yahoo group. Your artist statement shows your connection with every part of this series. I appreciated learning about the Native American Basketry - and you've got me curious about "islamic patterns". And, I love the theme of Wind Energy - the mandalas indeed look like they're windblown. Seeing your connection to your work and your passion for it is re-igniting my creative spark again! Blessings, Cheryl

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  2. AnonymousDecember 14, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    Thanks so much Cheryl. I have hardly shown the mandalas to anyone yet and it's so nice to hear from an expert in that area like yourself that they come across as I'd hoped! Blessings to you as well. Stephanie

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  3. TerrieJanuary 15, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    The feeling behind this is evident and I like the depiction of wind and movement. You mentioned you might be inspired to try zentangle - it can be very similar to what you've painted here. There are people who use the principle to create quilt patterns, paint it on gourds or clothing, etc. It's the principle of using repeating lines and shapes to reach a "zen", calm state of mind where the marks take on a life and direction of their own. Similar to your thoughtful style. Again, love your art.

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  4. Stephanie BirdJanuary 15, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    Terrie, thanks for your insights. I am even more excited about trying zentangle after reading your description of it. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

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