Exploring the Mystery

I have been a rock hound since I was a young girl. One of my treasured possessions from childhood is a small apothecary jar of polished rocks I have carried with me whenever I moved. It was a natural progression for me during the development of my mandala making to begin using gems and minerals in my creations. My friend dosmangoes has been generous to let me use his photographs of crystals. And I have stones of my own which I have scanned into my computer to use with my mandalas. I am often surprised what appears when I create, which is really part of the appeal for me.


GALAXY FLOWER MANDALA © Sue O'Kieffe 2007

This particular mandala is part of my Earth Mystery series. While I am grateful to the stone I used to create it, I am uncertain what it is. I think perhaps it is a type of jasper that I brought home from one of the local beaches.

I received this testimonial yesterday:

“Looking at Galaxy Flowers mandala, I feel transcending energy within the calm. I ordered the print from Sue's collection and couldn't wait to get it! The day it came, I tore open the wrapper -- I was so happy to see how it turned out. Sue does first-rate art!” ~ Laurie B.

What are your thoughts or feelings when you look at this mandala? I would love to read your comments.

The Bluest Blue Mandala I Ever Have Seen

It started with a stop at the health food store. I noticed little containers of grape hyacinths in the outdoor plant stand and grabbed my camera. The image I captured was sweet but nothing extraordinary, at least to my eye. I don't consider myself the world's best photographer, but I do try to improve my eye and understanding of my camera each time I use it.















Something magically unexpected happened, though, when I created the mandala from this humble little photograph. With very little Photoshop tweaking -- simple levels and curves adjustments and a minor experiment with the diffuse filter -- the indigo in these grape hyacinths turned into the bluest darned blue I ever have seen.




I don't often notice physical sensations in my body when I look at my work, but I feel my sixth chakra being activated when I look at this mandala.

Can you understand why I named it "Blue Light Special?"

Leave me your thoughts. I'd enjoy reading your comments!
© Sue O'Kieffe 2007

SPRING GREEN

Spring green has been catching my eye and showing up in my creations. This particular mandala was created from the image seen below photographed by my friend dosmangoes of a rare type of green fluorite.

I like the coolness of this green and how I was able to capture the cubic shaped crystals. Green is the color of spring, new growth. In metaphysical traditions it is the color of the heart chakra. It is my hope to bring calm and healing to those who view my art.
© Sue O'Kieffe 2007

SPRING JOY MANDALA

Forget me nots are an early bloomer here on the North Coast of California. I have found photographing them to be a challenge, so I honored my success with this mandala. Im thinking May Day festivals, Rites of Spring, celebration, joy. My thoughts have been broadcasting into the future, towards my first art opening next February. It will be the cusp of spring here on the coast. An image like this would be a cheerful greeting after a rainy winter.

Sacred Circle Mandala Greeting Cards!

I am excited to announce the launch of my line of greeting cards based on my mandala designs. Each card is 5"x7". An inspirational quote is printed on the front, a definition of what a mandala is is printed on the back along with an indication of the source image for each mandala. Right now, I have seven cards in the line. More will be coming shortly. You can see my other designs by clicking here

Inquiries for purchase of these cards can be directed here
© Sue O'Kieffe 2007