An ancient art form renewed

An ancient art form renewed

http://www.coastlinepilot.com/news/tn-cpt-0709-mandalas-20100709,0,6919172.story

Laguna Beach Mandalas harkens back to the psychedelic '60s, with
current themes.

By Ashley Breeding
July 9, 2010

Jo Ellen Byrnes first began working with mandalas as a psychologist
through expressive art therapy. Noting their energetic and spiritual
significance, the experience inspired the Laguna resident and artist
to draw from her intimate communion with nature and begin designing
her own works of art.

Mandala ­ Sanskrit for "circle" ­ is a form of art used
cross-culturally in spiritual teachings, meditation and to create
sacred space. The traditional form is a square with four gates
encompassing a circle with a center point of focus.

Two years ago, Byrnes launched Laguna Beach Mandalas, a collection
that she says captures the essence of Laguna within a spiritual
geometric mandala that is psychedelic Impressionist metaphorical realism.

"My work is reminiscent of the 1960s and '70s, bringing people back
to that old energy of Laguna, when they could relax and have fun and
it was cool to be here," she said.

Her use of bright, vibrant colors, she said, induces aliveness and
energy in people, creating a spirit of hopefulness, much like they
did 40 years ago when there was so much turmoil in the world.

Her psychedelic spin off the traditional mandala is not only about a
personal journey through art, but also a means of providing something
"new and different" in the art market.

The former Sawdust exhibitor recently opened a gallery in town at 577
S. Coast Hwy., where more than 200 pieces, including the
surf-inspired "Endless Waves of Possibility" and "Check it out," a
geometric arrangement of shells, can be admired.

Her collection includes mixed-media originals, giclees, prints,
platters and greeting cards, making her art available to everyone at
various price points, which range from $4 to $2,500.

"I think it's really important, as an artist, to make your art
affordable for people who like your work, so I try to create
something in every format," she said.

Byrnes also offers enhanced giclees, which lend a more textural and
sculptural element than ordinary giclees. She does this by painting
over the original pieces, creating more dimension and depth, which
transfers to the print and makes it look "almost" like an original.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week. For more
information, visit http://www.lagunabeachmandalas.com.

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