Meet Heather Aldridge
“I've been designing and drawing mandalas for several years for my own pleasure and for the enjoyment of sharing the completed artwork. I take meticulous care to balance the elements and most often find the resulting mandala a pleasure to gaze upon. Making mandalas is generally a relaxing and meditative process for me. Drawing the repeating patterns and carefully shading them with colored pencils - slowly, I breathe in and I breath out. I truly enjoy creating the beautiful flowering patterns and playing with the colors and shading.
I became interested in mandalas through my yoga practice and spiritual studies. The word mandala translates in Sanskrit to circle. A mandala is drawn from a central point radiating outward with interconnected patterns symbolizing the nature of the never ending universe. Gazing upon a mandala can be a meditative practice, taking you away from the chaos of your mind and allowing you to enter a place of symmetry, stillness and beauty; helping the mind to quiet.
I was honored to be invited to create a mandala for the Bee Sisterhood Oracle Deck. My love of nature, particularly the symbiotic and beautiful relationship between bees and flowers, inspired me to create this mandala. I wanted my artwork to convey the joyful feeling of a summer field of flowers and desired, as well, to showcase the bees and their awesome creation, the golden honeycomb, but I did feel some pressure since this mandala was to be included in an oracle deck!
Drawing the bees became the most challenging part of the process, particularly the need for symmetry and the feeling of lightness yet strength in their wings, thus eraser and procrastination entered into the process! I wanted a balance between the look of a real bee and using artistic license, adding some whimsy.
I put off completing the mandala until the deadline loomed but with the loving assistance of some wonderfully encouraging women in my circle, I overcame self doubt and finished the mandala by the deadline!
It was a relief to have the project completed, especially as I was thrilled with the result!
I love the sweet heart-centered bees and the colorful flowers bursting from the mandala center.
I'm so proud that my artwork is showcased on the back of the oracle cards and that my "Bee Love mandala" will be seen and enjoyed for years to come as many hands shuffle through the deck.
I'm most grateful to be a part of the Bee Sisterhood Oracle project and thankful for all the sisters who have dedicated their time and talents to make this collective dream come true!”
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