Hi! My name is Becky and welcome to my wonderful world of mandala art!

So, what is a mandala?

The word mandala comes from Sanskrit and means circle, sacred centre or disc.  Mandalas originated in India with the earliest examples dating back to the first century BCE, primarily within Buddhist art.  In Hindu and Buddhist symbolism, Mandalas are created and used to represent the universe, wholeness, inter-connectedness, a spiritual journey or path to enlightenment.  They also appear in various other religions and cultures around the world where they are created and used in many symbolic ways.  Mandalas are used in meditation; the intricate patterns and colours acting as a visual aid, guiding the meditators focus and fostering inner peace.  

For me, painting mandalas is not just an art-form, but, as intended, a practice that brings me inner peace and calm.  It fosters a sense of wellbeing, of being 'in the moment' and the joy and magic of mandala lies in this process. 

I create hand-painted mandala wall hangings and also a variety of smaller items including jewellery, bookmarks, key rings, magnets and hand-cast mandala stones and tea-light holders.  The medium I use is acrylic paint and my wall hangings are painted on 'rounds' (circular boards) and range in size from 20cm in diameter upwards.  Sometimes I add embellishments such as decorative mirror shapes, rhinestones and crystals.   

Each piece I paint is unique both in terms of design and colour palette and inspiration for the mandalas I create can come from anywhere - from a feeling or mood to a tangible object or inspiration from nature.  Painting mandalas is a mindful, meditative and therapeutic creative process and although I do plan out some of my designs, I often find that once I place my first, central dot, my design flows organically with each concentric circle.     

I hope you enjoy exploring my website. You can also follow me on Instagram @ravenmandala or come and say hello at one of the markets/events I’m attending (see my ‘Events and Workshops’ page).