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My embroidered mandala series both represents and was created through my reclamation of the joy of being human.
I would call myself a recovering perfectionist. In my early 20s, chronic illness dashed my type-A life plan, forcing me to confront my deeply held stories about motivation and self worth. "Mandala 1 - Sunburst," came to me a few years after rediscovering the art of hand embroidery in adulthood. As I continued my mandala series and became more familiar with stitching as a form of mindfulness, “Mandala 2 - Raja” was born. For this mandala I was drawn toward deep purples, blues, and metallic gold accents, representative of the luxuriousness of taking my time. Unlike “Sunburst,” which embodies celebration through an overflowing of many different stitches and textures packed into a small space, I created in “Raja” more of a quiet presence where negative space speaks as loudly as positive space. For this second mandala, I allowed myself freedom to move from stitching one part of the mandala to another through intuition instead of linearly working from the outside in or inside out. The result was much more symbolic, where floral and feather motifs create an intricate pattern.
"Raja" serves as a potent reminder of the importance of context in defining the space where we choose to put in our effort. Yang and Yin, doing and being.
Additional Information
CARE
To keep your prints looking their best, treat them the same way you would original artwork. Use clean, dry hands when handling and hold by the edges of the print when possible to avoid getting finger smudges on the surface.
Small prints are delivered via rigid envelope and are ready-to-frame. Large prints are delivered in postal tubes and may require counter-rolling or to lay weighted on a flat, clean surface overnight to relax before framing.
The archival ink and paper these artworks utilize is known for its longevity, however, it is always best practice to hang your prints out of direct sunlight and/or frame with UV protective glass to maintain the integrity of your prints coloration.
HANDCRAFTED
Each piece is lovingly made one stitch at a time. No two are exactly alike, even those with repeated designs. Variations in color and shape are normal and part of the charm of handmade goods.
MATERIALS
I use a combination of new, vintage, antique, and reclaimed materials across my work. Please check photos and descriptions of items carefully before purchasing. Features some might think of as “imperfections” will be noted whenever possible.