A mandala is a circular figure representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism. In Jungian psychology they are a symbol in a dream, representing the dreamer's search for completeness and self-unity. Mandalas offer balancing visual elements, symbolizing unity and harmony. The meanings of individual mandalas is usually different and unique to each mandala. The goal of the mandala is to serve as a tool on our spiritual journey as it symbolizes cosmic and psychic order.
Since seeing Damien Hirst’s mandalas using real butterflies I had felt an urge to create my own using my drawings of animals, butterflies, feathers and birds. The circle is infinite, endless, with no beginning and no end. The mandala is a perfect shape, entirely symmetrical and for me totally pleasing to the eye. Circles and mandala type shapes are seen frequently in nature - in snowflakes and spiderwebs, flowers and plants, in miniature fractals and even in vegetables such as cabbages - they represent flashes of order and symmetry in nature. A mandala’s beauty is boundless - they can be large or small, simple or detailed, colourful or plain.
For me, butterflies make the perfect mandalas and even better when combined with ladybirds, feathers or pink flamingos. Butterflies are both symmetrical but also vary in their individual colours and patterns. I love how Damien Hirst’s mandalas look like beautiful, large stained glass windows, you could imagine seeing them in a church or cathedral with light streaming through. My aim is to create something pleasing to the eye, balanced in colour and shape, and intricate to draw the eye in, to make the viewer interested and intrigued.
A mandala shape, whether on a print or a cushion, can create a focal point or bring balance to a bedroom or living room. For those who love symmetry and order they are just perfect.
