OCEAN SERIES #5 - Ocean Weaver Mandala

Ocean Weaver Mandala (Ocean Story Series) © Sue O'Kieffe 2010
source image: driftwood

As I was creating this mandala I was thinking about all the stories this piece of wood could share from the moment it was first washed up onto the shore. It is worn by wind and waves, smoothed by time and full of marvelous patterns. I wonder where the tree was originally rooted and how long it has been on this beach. It is curious to me how this wood arrives at the coastline, especially after one of our magnificent rain storms - the power of nature never ceases to amaze.

I have been experimenting with a new Photoshop kaleidoscope plug in that I downloaded from mehdiplugins.com. It's been fun to play with for additional textures and patterns, and I like the way all the subtle colors of the source image as well as the foamy ocean spray all play out in this image.

Sand and sea, ocean and river, wind and water ... all these elements weave together in power and majesty. Can't you feel it, smell it, taste it, touch it? These are the stories that nature shares with us.

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

Free Mandala Wallpaper

All Paths Lead to One Mandala © Sue O'Kieffe 2010
source image: honeysuckle blossom

I love offering gifts whenever I can.

I created desktop wallpaper in three different sizes for all of you who follow my blog and anyone who happens to find their way here in the future.

The original mandala, All Paths Lead to One, symbolizes a philosophy I want to embrace in my own life, when I feel conflict with another person's beliefs. I know that we are all connected and that we are all one. We are Love.

There is a great awakening on this planet at this time and great shifts are occurring. May this wallpaper remind you that we are all part of each other whenever you turn on your computer.

The wallpaper was created in three different sizes, depending on your monitor resolution. Here are the links:
800x600=http://www.box.net/shared/eyejltipdd
1024x768=http://www.box.net/shared/8zm9uxgxj4
1280x960=http://www.box.net/shared/oinn7c516n

If you aren't sure how to install wallpaper on your computer, here are some instructions

MAC OS 9
1. Download image according to your monitor resolution
2. Go to Apple menu > Control Panel and select "Appearance".
3. Select "Place picture" and locate the appropriate picture.
4. Click "Set Desktop".
MAC 0S X
1. Select the picture you want in the resolution which matches your display.
2. Save image to desktop.
3. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Personal section and select "Desktop".
4. On the "Collection" pulldown menu, go to "Choose Folder" and locate the appropriate picture.

WINDOWS 7 and VISTA
1. Select the picture you want according to the resolution which matches your display
2. Download image and save to your desktop
3. Right click on desktop and choose personalize.
4. Browse to the mandala image and click on it. Make sure picture position is set to fill screen
WINDOWS XP
1. Select the picture you want according to the resolution which matches your display
2. Download image and save to your desktop
3. Right click on desktop and choose properties
4. Click on desktop tab. Browse to mandala image and click on it

Bright blessings to you on your path this day!

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

END OF SUMMER

I have begun experimenting with other forms of digital art-making recently through my involvement in the Coach Creative Space. It's been fun to play around using different approaches to making art. I used the photos above to create the image below.



Curves and Splatters - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008

Many thanks to Kim of Laketrees for honoring me and so many other fine creatives on the web with her very thoughtful award.





It's gratifying to be recognized during a time when I am searching ever deeper for inspiration in my art. More about that at another time.

Summer is winding down. On the North Coast of California, autumn is our best time anyway. The light turns golden, the harvest is readied, it actually turns warm and windless. Just a few more weeks. Huzzah!

Many blessings to all of you who come to read, feel inspired, seek to find comfort and healing in your lives, reach for ease and joy and contentment.

May we all be blessed.


Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas