MORE FROM MOTHER EARTH

Earth's Splendor - (Earth Mysteries series) - © Sue O'Kieffe

Creating mandalas from images of gems and minerals has not only been challenging, it has also been educational. I have always loved stones, but I have never really liked science. A by-product of collaborating with my friend dosmangoes has been to learn just a bit more about the earth.

You might be surprised to know that the source image for this mandala is amethyst. I have always associated amethyst with the translucent purple Brazilian amethyst commonly seen in rock shops and jewelry stores. This specimen is from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. I understand that this is not entirely comprised of amethyst; if you look towards the bottom of the photograph, you can see the dense purple colored bands of this mystical stone.

The challenge that I feel in creating imagery from these minerals is translating the energy I feel in these stones into the mandalas. I want to honor the stones. The journey so far has been fun for me.

I am curious to know what you see and feel when you look at Earth's Splendor. Please share your thoughts with me.

EARTH'S MAGIC MANDALA

In 2007 I shifted my attention to working with gems and minerals for the source images in my work. The results have gone beyond anything I could have imagined. I love how the light of the stones shines through and how the depth and mystery of earth speaks in the mandalas. If you click on this image, you can see the detail more clearly.

The source image for this mandala is amethyst from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. I am fortunate to have my friend dosmangoes donating photographs of his crystal collection for use in my artwork. There is nothing so wonderful as the energy that arises from collaboration!
© Sue O'Kieffe 2007