"Mandalas are visual reminders of universal truths: everything is connected and
everything is integral to the whole".
Welcome to my Class page. I am honored and excited to spread the joy of mandala-making around to experienced painters as well as beginners.
I am a mandala (MAHN-dah-lah) artist, teacher, facilitator and speaker whose art is seen in collections around the world. The history of the mandala is multicultural and rich, but simply put, is any symmetrical design radiating from a center, such as a flower.
Painting mandalas evolved from a fun diversion to artistic expression, to a spiritual practice, to a life's work. In addition to teaching mandala-making locally and abroad, I lead collaborative art projects for fundraisers and team-building. Seeing the beauty we can create together is inspirational to me and gives me such hope for the future. No problem is insurmountable if we work together for the good of the whole.
I had NO previous painting experience when I started learning to paint mandalas (well, OK - full disclosure - I did paint some rocks when I was young). I wanted to do art SO MUCH but since I couldn't draw anything but stick figures, I stayed away, telling myself I had no talent at all. But my first mandala painting class blew away those limitations. I didn't have to draw or "make it look like something." It was just a design. That, I could do! That little opening changed my life. I went from never even dreaming of being an artist to selling and teaching art.
But really, selling and teaching are secondary to making art for your own pleasure and fulfillment. And mandalas, as an art form, have a way of integrating your right and left brain, your creative side and your logical side, with almost the same effect as meditation. Their structure- symmetrical shapes surrounding a compelling center- promotes a state of balance and calm. They anchor you to your essential core where you breathe easily and know that all is well. When you hang your finished mandala on the wall, it serves as a touchstone, drawing you back into your own beautiful center.
I'm so happy to welcome and support you on this journey, wherever it takes you.
If you'd like to learn more about mandalas, check out my website and Facebook page - Mandala Visions - or check out my TEDxTalk, "The Beauty We Create Together."
My mandalas are also available in James Van Praagh's The Soul's Journey Lesson Cards, produced by Hay House. The 44-card deck combines James' words with my art to provide guidance and wisdom.
Blessings of Beauty,
Charlotte Backman/ Laguna Hills, CA
MandalaVisions.com