Mixed Media Mandala interview_IlenePrice

Today, I am so pleased to share a mandala student interview with Ilene Price who joined  my Mixed Media Mandala class in 2014.

What kind of mandalas have you explored before?

Mostly free form doodling. From that I began to paint them with watercolors.

What is it you love most about mandalas?

I love their wholeness and completeness. Since I was a child, I have been drawn to circles and spirals… pebbles, seashells, nature, in general. I feel connected to their forms. I love how I feel when I am drawing one.

Doodles-over-Loose-Play mixed media mandala class

What kind of mandalas do you love to create with the most?

My favorite mandalas to create are black and white doodle sketches on the go, second would be watercolor and ink. They are almost always spontaneous. When I try to plan one out with specific imagery, it doesn’t work as well for me, it feels forced.

What excited you most about taking part in the “Mixed Media Mandala” class

I really needed a creative spark or kick start heading into the holiday season. This did the trick! Even though I already was a mandala artist, I really only used one medium. This class opened my mind up to collage and mixed media techniques I would never have tried before. It was a wonderful soulful journey for me.

Which was your favourite part and why? What did you enjoy most about the class?

Learning to use new materials and recycle old supplies I’ve had forever. It helped me remember the importance of daily loose sketching. I also loved connecting, sharing and talking to Louise and other inspiring artists in the Facebook Group.

IlenePrice_Sacred-Geometry-Flower-mixed media mandala class

In what ways did the course open up a new world of Mandala creating for you?

Really I’d have to say materials again. I look at scraps and junk around me now and think to myself… Um, how can I use that to create a new mandala? I’m in the process now of looking for new ways I can create my mandalas and this class was the inspiration for that.

What are some of the areas covered in the class, that you would like to continue to explore?

Sacred Geometry in nature, I find it fascinating.
Macro photography… I have always loved this and I will continue to take inspiration photos wherever I am.
Happy accidents… not being afraid to try new techniques, and the magic that may come from them.
Mediating and grounding myself before I start a new piece.
Loose daily sketching

mandala iIene Price mixed media mandala class

What are the top 3 things you are taking away from this class?

  • Knowledge of new techniques and materials
  • Understanding of sacred geometry and the importance of daily loose sketching
  • Confidence in myself to create mandalas beyond the watercolor brush and marker and setting aside “me” time to do so

What would you say when recommending this class to a friend

Absolutely! I really loved it and felt connected to Louise. She is so warm and inspiring. She has such a nice way of teaching the lessons. It’s like hanging out with your friend in her house just making art. One of these days I am going to get myself to Spain to meet her! I’ve taken online classes before, but this was by far my most favorite experience. You do not have to be an artist to get something out of this class, it’s like therapy for the soul. I highly recommend it.

mandala ilene Price mixed media mandala class

Ilene-Price-Bio-Picture600

 I believe in being happy and doing what you love. Doodling what I see and feel is just that. I create colorful, funky mandalas that are organic doodles with a bit of whimsy. It’s a meditative process for me. I like to just let my mind relax and see what flows out of my pen or brush.

Nature is my biggest inspiration, especially texture. Colors, shapes and patterns come from things that inspire me, whether it’s a seed pod I find on the ground or the curling of peeling paint. The designs are hand drawn with black markers, painted with watercolors and then scanned at a high resolution for optimum quality. I

studied graphic design at UArts and worked in design for many years until I found my passion. About eight years ago, I began drawing mandalas, fell in love, and have been doodling ever since.

Connect here: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Next class starts: Monday 30 March, 2015

Mixed Media Mandalas online classWould you like to explore the sacred circle and mixed media mandalas further? I would love for you to join me to dive deeply in the 4 week “Mixed Media Mandalas” online class.

By the end of class, you will have a journal full of sacred circles and at least one finished mixed media piece of artwork to hang on your wall.