Mandala Creator, Natalie Gordon, is VIVA’s Guest Artist for October!
Natalie’s Artist Statement:
Every day, we all face change, fear and uncertainty. At the most basic level mandalas represent wholeness, unity, connection and harmony. Creating mandalas allows me a therapeutic release and a reminder to slow down, relax and enjoy being in the moment.
Natalie’s Biography:
My mandala journey began in 2017 with a photo on Pinterest, an inquisitive mind and a voice in my head that said, “I can do that!” I started painting shortly before I retired from 30+ years in Corporate America. I was in desperate need of relief from long, stressful work weeks, endless meetings and a chance to just catch my breath. What was once a hobby has turned into a passion that truly fulfills me. As someone who values order, I'm drawn to the symmetry and spatial exactness of mandala designs. Mandala, in its simplest terms, means “circle.” What could be more perfect than a symmetrical form, with no beginning and no end?
All my pieces start with color selection, often simply inspired by a mood or what I see from my Mt. Hope window, and a single center dot. Then....the magic happens. Every dot and swoosh, every color mixture and every design takes time. Some days I feel like I’m going one step forward and two steps back. Then I remind myself to trust my journey…speed doesn’t matter, forward is forward…and I place another dot.
Natalie Answers Some Fun Questions!
Why did you decide to work in your chosen medium?
As someone who values order and symmetry, when I first saw the spatial exactness of a dot mandala composition something clicked in my soul and I thought….yes, that’s for me!
What’s the most indispensable item in your studio?
Q-Tips! When placing dots of paint very closely together, sometimes worlds (dots) collide. Mistakes happen and, when they do, these beautiful little sticks of spun cotton, dipped in water, restore order to my life!
How do you know when a piece of work is finished?
When I run out of space, literally! Each mandala design starts with a center dot and the pattern is worked outward until the pattern is complete or the space is filled. Mandala art focuses on color, design and movement. Negative spaces are less valued.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your work?
I would never have dreamed that one day someone would look at me and say, “I love your work. You are an artist.” So many people have said to me, “I don’t know how you do it. I could never do that. I don’t have the patience.” What I tell them is, “This art, in every way, shape and form fulfills me. Anyone can do it. It just takes patience, practice and a belief in yourself.”
