"If you hear a voice within you say, 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." --Vincent van Gogh

Friday, May 4, 2007

Mandala


I've joined a wonderful new group that is following along with the lessons in the book The Artist's Muse. The challenge for the first chapter is to create a personal Mandala.
I would like to be able to say that my Mandala is full of significance for my life, but it just sort of evolved. I started with my trusty compass and ruler and decided to work with a pentagon for the challenge. My initial idea was quite different from what you see here and when it was finished, I hated it!
So, I took out my trusty Lumiere paints and started in the center. When I finished painting, I got out my embossing powder and embossed subtle designs on the piece. I decided to make it a tribute to the two cats we recently lost, so I embossed a kitty stamp around the inner blue circle. In the outer blue edge, I stamped the words, "Memory is the power to gather roses in the winter", which was the quote I used in my senior college yearbook many years ago. Finally, I added beads and crystals until I was satisfied. The piece measures 12" square to fit within the frame. It is made from painted, recycled dryer sheets fused to a base layer of black cotton (which shows through here and there). A bit of a departure for me, but I'm happy to have met the challenge.

5 comments:

Joanna said...

What a great quote..I'm glad you were able to find a focus for your mandela. It's an enlightening experience.

~Vix~ said...

Michelle, your blog is fantastic! I need to check it more often! lol I see the things you create on F.A.T. and those are excellent - these just seem to take all that one step further! AWESOME!!! Hugs, Vix

sunflowerkat said...

Wow Michelle....I can see that I need to spend a LOT of time here at your blog. The work I see here on the first page is just wonderful. As soon as I have some extra time...I'll be back!

Carol said...

Michelle, your mandala is gorgeous. Thanks for dropping by my blog.

Digitalgran said...

I love your Mandala Michelle and the Padfolio os fantastic. Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog too.