EXPLORING THE MANDALA
Colour, Light and The Sacred Circle
Text by Barry Stevens
During the last few years I have been occasionally giving workshops on the
theme of the mandala.
The general theme of my work is MANDALAS as I understand, experience and create
them. My idea of giving workshops is to explore the possibility of communicating
in person with people who are interested in my work, and to facilitate a situation
which is conducive to inner and outer creativity and inspiration. It is also
my wish and intention to enable all participants to relax and open up in safe
and supportive circumstances with Kindred Spirits.
To be more specific a workshop given by me would explore the following areas:
MEDITATION AND CREATIVE VISUALISATION using the mandala as a
focus along with other meditation processes. Ideally participants should have
some experience of meditation prior to attending the workshop. This is not
essential but a factor to consider. This aspect and all aspects of the workshop
can be adapted and modified if necessary to cater for the people involved.
VIEWING MANDALAS painted by myself and other mandalas from a variety
of cultures. My mandalas would be present in original form and a variety of
other mandalas would be on view in the form of my collection of books and
cards. The presence of mandalas in this way is useful as a source of inspiration,
discussion and energetic communication. My work would in some cases be for
sale.
ARTISTIC CREATIVITY This part of the workshop is about giving participants
the opportunity to be actively involved in the process of painting their own
mandalas and/or related images. In some cases participants may be inspired
to work with images other than mandalas which from my standpoint is entirely
acceptable. Although the general theme of workshops given by me is mandalas,
I am in favour of people expressing themselves freely. This part of the workshop
does not require artistic skill or experience but does involve a willingness
to explore ones creative potential.
COMMUNICATING AND SHARING A significant part of the workshop is sharing
ideas and feelings. This is part of the inner and outer exploration and time
allowing would take the form of participants and myself saying, or one way
or another expressing whatever seeks to be communicated. As with the painting
side of the workshops this can and does develop in ways of its own and in
general terms I am in favour of everyone present feeling able to express themselves
freely.
OTHER POSSIBILITIES There are other possibilities that might arise
and have done so on previous occasions. These include exploring the mandala
in nature, healing, toning, ritual, architecture and dance to name a few ideas
which come to mind. I am not a specialist in these areas and they have come
into the workshops in specific contexts with input from a variety of people
and sources. I am open to other possibilities arising as and when appropriate.
So here are a couple of pages to send to those of you who express interest in my workshops. Please feel free to contact me for more information about my work.
ART MATERIALS Generally I encourage workshop participants to bring their own art materials, a compass and ruler. However if necessary I can provide the basic necessities. Please call me if you wish me to provide you with art materials.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Barry spent most of his childhood and youth in England and settled in West
Wales during the late 80s where he is now based. Since an early
age he has had a sense of Oneness as the fundamental reality of existence
and this has inspired his work with mandalas since his early 20s. Over
the years his mandala paintings have evolved and his artistic skill has become
more refined. At various times he has explored specific themes and symbols
in the context of the universal and timeless principles of Light and Colour.
Taking part in a mandala workshop with Barry brings you into direct contact
with the mandala as a living art form. This can be a powerful experience facilitating
a deepening of awareness and creative expression.
For further details about Barrys approach to mandalas you can visit
his web site, write or phone.
Barry Stevens, Hazeldene, Boncath, Pembrokeshire,
Wales SA37 0JW. UK Tel/Fax 01239 841381.