A MANDALA PROMPT

As the final chapter in my discussion on Angeles Arrien's book Signs of Life, I am offering up a mandala prompt.

• Draw the circle, square, triangle, spiral and equidistant cross and rank them in preference from one to five.
• Draw/create a mandala using the symbols in positions 1, 3 and 5
• If you decide to experiment and have a blog, leave a link in the comments section so we can see your mandala
• I would love to hear how you felt about your mandala or the process itself.

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When I was creating digital mandalas to go with this series, I never really felt like the individual shapes were being isolated that well, so I thought I would do something different (since my favored shape in position 3 is the spiral= change) and draw my mandalas using the square(#1), spiral(#3) and circle(#5).

Considering Change (Reflections Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
neocolor II's, oil pastels, prismacolor gold metallic art marker

Even though the spiral is the central focus of this mandala, it felt equal to the other shapes. Change seemed more like an idea than something that was likely to occur anytime soon.

Resisting Change - (Reflection Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
colored markers, black sharpie

The spiral, along with four snakes (symbols of transformation), is contained in the square. The energy of the spiral feels trapped. I am looking for an answer to what looks like resistance.



Foundation of Change - (Reflection Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
rubber stampings, sharpies, crayons, oil pastels, digital embellishments

I am grounded on a firm foundation. My nature is change, and I willingly embrace it. My life is spacious and free. I am whole.


Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

CIRCLE OF LIFE

We Are All Connected - (Healing in Circles series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2007
source image: fireweed fluff

Before I share my intents and dreams for 2008 with you all, I thought I would take one last look at the year that's just ended.

The image above was my favorite of all the mandalas I created in 2007. I submitted it to the Gallery 25 art show in Fresno, CA. (I do wish they would post something
about this year's show, darn it.) More than that, though, it reflects for me how we and all that dwell above and below and on the earth are all connected. What better choice than to make a mandala where the source image was a plant gone to seed? The cycle, the circle, has turned once more. It is done, complete, we are all connected!

BRANDING, TAGLINES, AND MOMENTS OF INSPIRATION

I have been "feeling into" the mandala that I posted on July 15th. Sometimes when I create, I just appreciate the creation for its own sake. Other times, the image itself speaks to me on a deep personal level. Hallelujah, mandalas affect the creator as well!

This morning, while in the shower, I was thinking about my work, what it is and what I think it always has been, but has taken me this long to recognize. I decided to change my tagline here from "Circles of Life" to "Circles of Light inspired by Nature". I also changed the mandala for my profile avatar, but I am not sure I like it as well in its thumbnail size. I am also not sure that it shows the intricacy of design as well.

So here is the former mandala I have been using on my business cards and have considered my logo. But now I am wondering if it's time to update. In terms of other design issues, I have felt a bit stymied by the reds/pinks and how to incorporate them in my not yet designed website.

Seeking the Goddess Within - (Circles of Healing series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2006

I know that it will take redoing my business cards to know for sure what I want to do. This will more than likely not be happening tomorrow. I did want to begin the process though. I am excited with the redefining of the tagline and the refocus on what it is I see myself doing.


I would really appreciate whatever feedback and words of wisdom you might have for me, oh gentle readers.