Nadean OBrien

Commissioning a mandala can be a very important event for someone undergoing major change in his or her life. Since the dawn of humanity, mandalas have been created to provide an integrating and steadying influence for the honored person or to commemorate a significant occasion. The mandala (18" x 18") shown above was commissioned by my granddaughter, Nicole, in honor of her 15th birthday and is destined to become a family heirloom.

While in the studio assisting my teacher with his commissions, I became aware of the subtle energies surrounding the recipient. While we worked to resolve issues of color and design, something was working through us to result in an appropriately healing and beautiful painting. The mandala is an amazing and powerful art form that speaks a language already known to our creative souls.

In the ensuing 14 years, I too have become an artist/healer in an ancient tradition wherein knowledge and skill are handed down from master to apprentice outside academia. I have learned to see relationships in the flow of life not visible to the untrained eye. As a gifted contemporary mandala artist, I would be pleased to discuss with you the possibility of commissioning your own personal mandala.

The actual process begins with an interview in which the artist becomes aware of the symbolism in the client's life and the style of mandala desired (not necessarily Tantric). The artwork is acrylic on canvas, usually 30" square and takes several months to complete. The finished mandala is embellished with Swarovski crystals and perhaps semi-precious stones.