What is a mandala?
Mandala is a Sanskrit word for circle, a spiritual symbol traditionally used to help focus attention, and as an aid to meditation. For me, this handmade impermanent art is a meditation on really noticing the plants throughout the seasons, their exquisite details and symmetry.
My Process CREATING A NATURE MANDALA
As an artist, gardener, and herbalist, I appreciate Vermont’s natural beauty in a unique way. I live near the base of Central Vermont’s Hardwood Mountain, where I stroll through the forests and fields surrounding my home and gardens. I forage and gather flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, and other plant materials to create the visual meditations called nature mandalas.
I arrange the stunning colors, shapes and textures I find into circular patterns, inviting the viewer to contemplate the symmetrical design as well as the finer elements of these wild and cultivated plants. They inspire a meditation, prayer, intention, or aspiration to take the form of a mandala; a circle, shield, container, spiral, or compass containing a pattern of colors, textures, and symmetry.
Gathering PLANTS with Care and Attention
Each mandala contains special plants, flowers, leaves, and seeds lovingly gathered during each distinct season here in Vermont, from a distinct place and time. While walking in the gardens, fields and forests, the unique plants that hold my attention reveal their beauty, perfection, and imperfection. They help me to slow down, surrender to the moment, experience gratitude and a sense of connection. Each unique piece may last a few hours or days. I select one photograph, and then cast the mandala into the winds with a one-word intention, aspiration, hope, or prayer.
Michelle wallace
NATURE MANDALA ARTIST
A MANDALA IS A Container for Memories
These images have become the holders of many memories for me, of where I’ve been, where I am now, and where I am going. They hold memories of beauty and wonder, and distinct moments of presence. The mandalas reflect important phases and cycles of my life, people and places, specific trees and plants, seasons and elements, and the thoughts and feelings that have shaped and continue to shape who I am.
My Story
Professionally, I have worked in the non-profit sector for over 22 years, focusing on community health and local food systems. I am passionate about doing work that has a positive impact on others.
My heart first opened to the beauty of plants in a deep way when I began studying herbalism in 2001 with Rosemary Gladstar. I wanted to spend more time in nature. There is nothing more nourishing and connecting than being in the garden, fields and forests; witnessing and learning from the flowers and plants.
sharing THE beauty OF NATURE with others
My art is rooted in my deep love of plants and nature. Creating art is my way of finding a way to respond to our world by contributing something beautiful and positive. It brings me great joy to hear that my art inspires others to look a bit more closely at the beauty in our world, and perhaps create a mandala of their own.
To know that my nature mandala art designs are inspiring moments of connection and reflection, moments of visual meditation to pause and remember the beauty that is ever so present, truly fills me with gratitude and inspiration to continue creating and sharing.
Nature mandala art, photography and writing by: Michelle Wallace
Michelle Wallace is a visual artist living in Vermont. She has been creating handmade art designs called nature mandalas since 2017. You can find her art in stores across New England and via her online Nature Mandala Shop.