23 February – 25 May 2026
GVPL Saanich Centennial Branch
3110 Tillicum Rd, Victoria, BC
MWFS 10am-6pm / TTh 10am-7pm
About the Work:
The word mandala is from the ancient Pali language of India and is usually translated as sacred circle. Specifically, the word ‘essence’ more adequately captures its meaning.
My mandalas are rooted in this sacred tradition but adapted through the practice of art therapy which has brought a deeper vein of spirituality, self reflection, spontaneity, and insight into the painting process.
The pieces are unplanned, only the structure of the rings creates the formal elements. The work is about the process not the product. Beginning at the outer ring, known as the death ring or transformation ring, the colors and imagery arrive through a meditative process that is spontaneous and includes a dialogue and journaling with each round.
Painting only in a clockwise progression around each ring, the tendency to work haphazardly is inhibited, enhancing focus and attention. Nothing is changed or added until the next round. A dialogue of journal writing is maintained with each ring throughout the process. Each ring is finished before proceeding to the next ring on the way to the inner sacred center.
Once the center is complete, the process is repeated in each ring on the way out where additions or alterations can be made. Finally the finish ring, the narrow outermost ring, is added. Each piece can take many months to complete.
paddyab@gmail.com
