While on my final art retreat of 2023, I started an idea of mandala tree rings - 44 rings for 44 years old.
I had no idea if I would even like this idea, but I prepared for it anyway when I packed to stay at up north at my friend’s remote home for two weeks. I thought I’d at least try it, and if I didn’t enjoy it, then I would still have plenty of trees to draw!
Some thoughts as I created:
- Washi paper is alive. It guides me, must go with the flow. It’s an Organic flow, working in tandem with the medium, tools, and surface.
- I have control over the design as I go Yet I cannot predict a line that is magic vs. an oops (then making the oops magical). Sometimes it feels as though my hand is being guided divinely.
-Memory … starting to think back over each year of my life, what stands out from what i can remember, with fondness remembering so much.
-The first 5 years are quick and too easy… rings get more difficult and longer around 25-30 (such as life!)
-Natural in consistency: inconsistency. The pressure I use starts light, gets heavier, and stressed as I get into my late 30’s -40!!! Realizing this in the second piece, so intentionally softened my grip in the last few rings. I’m sure there is a connection to life in that awareness!
-As per the last note, paint was far more controlled and ‘finer’ than drawing!!
-SLOWING DOWN. I feel Peaceful. Present. Intentional. Patient. Interacting with the medium, myself.
-I enjoyed the process, and want to create one that is very disrupted with cracks in the spirit of real wood and one with more expressive design elements in the spirit of a mandala. I have some ideas for more where each represents something specific about my life so far: relationships, hair colours, addictions/mental health/therapy… I have 8 more months to explore this meditation, which may turn out to be a series, but truly, it’s just for me xx
