Art Exhibit in Progress

It has been awhile since I've done an exhibit of my artwork, so I was pleased at how this display came together.  There's a little bit of everything...mandalas, alcohol inks, Citra Solv art, mixed media and tiles.   I also have two of my scrapbooks on hand that people can look through.  One chronicles the progression of my artwork, including the first mandala I ever made back in December 2005.  The other has examples of mandalas from nature and everyday objects,  as well as,  the "sacred circles"  from various cultures and spiritual traditions.   If you're in the Canton, MS area between now and October 8th, I do hope you'll stop by and take a peek.    The exhibit is taking place at the Canton Welcome Center, which is located in the old Trolio Hotel, 141 N. Union Street.  The  Welcome Center is open from 10 - 5 Monday through Friday and from 10 - 2 on Saturdays.

Of Prayer Beads and Mandalas

Recently, I began making Anglican prayer beads.  I've long been fascinated with rosaries, both Catholic and Anglican, as well as malas, and always wanted to learn how to make them.  Finally, I took the plunge.  I found a good resource to guide me, A Bead and A Prayer by Kristen E. Vincent, raided my jewelry chest and set to work.  

I quickly realized that the process of making them was very calming and meditative...very much like the way I feel when creating mandalas.

Choosing the color combinations and size of the beads is another opportunity to exercise a measure of creativity.

Anglican prayer beads traditionally consist of a cross,  an invitatory bead, a resurrection bead (optional) and four cruciform beads.  In between the cruciform beads are four sets of "weeks" beads. 

 There is something so satisfying in the making of these...to know I am creating something that is both beautiful and functional.  Or perhaps it's the fact that I am reconnecting with some of my earliest spiritual longings and leanings.  Whatever it is...I'm going with it...and praying as I go.