In various spiritual & cultural traditions worldwide, geometric configurations known as mandalas help focus both the creator and viewer and establish a sense of sacred space. Their circular design represents wholeness and as symbolic maps of the cosmos; the microcosm becomes the macro.

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In this day and age, there are so many ways we are disconnected from the natural environment. By creating these mandalas and using leaves from the surrounding region, I aim to help re-establish a connection between the natural world and gallery space. Despite its meager size, the complex structure of a leaf is a thing of beauty in and of itself. It inspires many meanings and possibilities. Even in death, the dried form is intimately connected with life. As part of nature’s sublime cycle, it will return to the earth via decomposition to feed other forms of life. The addition of gold copper and metallic leaf on the leaves (a knowing pun) reminds the viewer of nature’s divinity and echoes the use of precious metals in holy items throughout cultures.

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I encourage and invite viewers to develop a unique relationship with the mandalas, whatever form that may take. Whether one slows down to admire the details or has a quick moment to take a selfie, each possesses particular merits in either context as both are examples of humans reinserting themselves into a symbolic reconnection with and appreciation of nature.

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Photo gallery includes work from the exhibitions:

• What is it about Trees?, El Camino College Art Gallery, February-April, 2020.

• Sanctuary of the Aftermath, Angels Gate Cultural Center in San Pedro, April-June, 2021.

• your invitation to a timeless moment, a solo exhibition at Westfield Valencia Town Center, August-October, 2021.

• A Practical Guide to Parlour Games & Magic, The Loft at Liz's, November 2021-February, 2022.

• see dedicated pages for other installations from this series

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