posted Mar 29, 2014, 4:45 PM by Annalisa Ippolito   [ updated Mar 31, 2014, 4:29 PM ]

Ronel E Duvenage is an artist from South Africa that creates mandala in different kind of materials.I found them very interesting and have asked her to share with us her experience with mandala.
Annalisa Ippolito: Hello Ronel, could you tell us when did you first encounter mandala? Ronel E Duvenage: In around 1995 I was sitting scribbling flower patterns, continuing with a flower inside a flower and the learned they form a mandala which was a new discovery for me, but felt very familiar in practising. Looking back at art I did when I started painting before, I always painted around something, like a cup, pot or plate…a circle form:) not realizing its a mandala.I started living a more spiritual lifestyle in around 1995 coming “home to myself” after years of travelling, and discovered mandalas in being STILL and in contemplation times. I often felt Spiritually inspired and being the medium for Spiritual expression.
AI: How did you begin creating mandala?RED: Always starting from the centre, creating patterns toward outside, any times in need for meditational practise, or when Spirit calls. I never planned or designed a mandala, it happens in the moment. I only measure the circles in pencil and all designs get painted directly by free hand. The stone mandalas also happens the same way, starting in the centre, placing each stone in color and shape I like and as I am called for.
AI: Do you remember your first mandala?RED: yes, it was a huge purple flower design on bright green back ground painted with oil. (no picture available to)
AI: I saw that you make your mandala in different artistic materials. How did you start the experience of creating crystals, gemstones, and glass beads mandalas?RED: Over the years when I was painting a mandala, I had visions of me doing them with colored beads one day. I started with glass bead and hemp mandalas in around 2010. After turning 50 I experienced huge life healing changes and I became drawn to crystals and gemstones which I always loved and decided to use them with the glass beads and hemp designs creating Sacred Dream Mandalas. I came up with the term “Sacred Dream Mandalas” because some people feel they are like Dream catchers. I feel they are more of a mandala, but can be used as a dream catcher if a person chooses to have one with feathers and used it for that purpose. 
AI: There are differences between mandala painted and stone madala?RED: Painted mandalas gives healing and contemplation thru viewing and feeling the colors, design and vibration of each mandala, also offering union and balance, bringing stillness during chaotic times. The crystals and gemstone mandalas offer the same but do have more special active healing abilities of their own because of the vibration of each stone. I get inspired by using colors and shapes of beads together, but find each stone offers the healing in their own unique way. The person who uses this type of mandala can experiece their own healing in what suits them by studying the various healing abilities the stones has to offer, if they wish too.  In both ways of creating these mandalas I am the medium/instrument for Spirit to come thru.
AI: Do you think that there are common prejudices or misunderstandings about mandala of stone? If so what are most common?RED: I have not heard of any prejudices or misunderstandings of these yet.
AI: What is or has been an inspiration for you? RED: Nature – flowers and plants especially the cacti family. Birds – they make their nests in a circle.Moon, The Earth and Sun.Indigenous Cultures – natural living lifestyles i.e. round housing structures and sacred gatherings.Meditations and being still in contemplation for my own healing and becoming whole.Spiritually inspired – Being open to spiritual guidance and being used as a medium/instrument for spiritual healing art forms.
AI: Thank you for sharing your experience and the beauty of your mandalas.RED: Pleasure. 
For more information visit her website: http://www.mandala-africa.com/or click here  http://angelictemple.homestead.com/mandala-africa.html