It started last year (2001) when
a very good friend of mine gave me a mandala as a present for my 40th birthday.
It was drawn by Beika Kruid, who realy makes fabulous birth and other mandalas.I
immediately became enthusiastic and wanted to try it for myself. When I visited
Beika I bought two course books and started the same week. I am convinced
that receiving a mandala brings something positive around and for me it was
the incentive to make them myself. This openend a road full of new (positive)
experiences and contacts.
I bought good paper, a pair of compasses etc. and started. I realised at once
that Beika's method was not mine. I could not get the patience and precision.
I still had a number of canvasses and my own acrylic paint. Soon I was fascinated
by this way of painting and the results.
I start from the middle and under one's hands the painting unfolds. Just as
if it creates itself sometimes. The result is a mandala which, uptil now,
perfectly matches the person it's made for.
Because birthmandalas are bound by numbers and the colours bound to them one
not really has the freedom of choice. Hereby combinations occur of colours
and forms which one would not chose normally. Funny thing is that the results
are refreshing.
In my mandalas I try to incorporate at least one animal and one flower or
plant. In such a way my mandalas are connected to nature.
Often I fantasize the things myself, or let myself be inspired. For certain
representations I need an example to copy e.g. a photo of a frog or an illustration
of a flower (or picked from the garden). In each mandala I try to incorporate
at least one new symbol, flower or animal. In this way they remain unique.
Apart from this I try to follow my intuition and listen to music I think goes
with the person.
Sometimes I make a description based on numerology and astrology.
With a simple wooden frame the mandala is given to the possesor of the specific
numbers in the hope (and expectation) that the mandala will bring something
positive.
Maybe also the beginning of something new or just a good feeling, as long
as it is positive!
I think of a small stone trown in the water; the rings become bigger as they
reach the shore, actually a natural mandala. Something small can have big
effects and I hope very good ones!