Mandala Workshop

Dev Aura Aura-Soma Centre, Lincolnshire, UK 22-24th. August 2006

On the third day we made a Rainbow Labyrinth

I have been friends with Mike Booth for many years and we have worked together in various contexts off and on throughout the last 25 years. Notably we started Mandala Prints together with his wife Claudia in the early '80's. Dev Aura is the main UK Teaching Centre and is a beautiful location for a mandala workshop!

 

 

 

EXPLORING THE MANDALA
Text by Barry Stevens

During the last few years I have been occasionally giving workshops on the theme of the mandala.

The general theme of my work is MANDALAS as I understand, experience and create them. My idea of giving workshops is to explore the possibility of communicating in person with people who are interested in my work, and to facilitate a situation which is conducive to inner and outer creativity and inspiration. It is also my wish and intention to enable all participants to relax and open up in safe and supportive circumstances with Kindred Spirits.

To be more specific a workshop given by me would explore the following areas:

MEDITATION AND CREATIVE VISUALISATION  using the mandala as a focus along with other meditation processes. Ideally participants should have some experience of meditation prior to attending the workshop. This is not essential but a factor to consider. This aspect and all aspects of the workshop can be adapted and modified if necessary to cater for the people involved.

VIEWING MANDALAS painted by myself and other mandalas from a variety of cultures. My mandalas would be present in original form and a variety of other mandalas would be on view in the form of my collection of books and cards. The presence of mandalas in this way is useful as a source of inspiration, discussion and energetic communication. My work would in some cases be for sale.

ARTISTIC CREATIVITY This part of the workshop is about giving participants the opportunity to be actively involved in the process of painting their own mandalas and/or related images. In some cases participants may be inspired to work with images other than mandalas which from my standpoint is entirely acceptable. Although the general theme of workshops given by me is mandalas, I am in favour of people expressing themselves freely. This part of the workshop does not require artistic skill or experience but does involve a willingness to explore one’s creative potential.

COMMUNICATING AND SHARING A significant part of the workshop is sharing ideas and feelings. This is part of the inner and outer exploration and time allowing would take the form of participants and myself saying, or one way or another expressing whatever seeks to be communicated. As with the painting side of the workshops this can and does develop in ways of its own and in general terms I am in favour of everyone present feeling able to express themselves freely.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES There are other possibilities that might arise and have done so on previous occasions. These include exploring the mandala in nature, healing, toning, ritual, architecture and dance to name a few ideas which come to mind. I am not a specialist in these areas and they have come into the workshops in specific contexts with input from a variety of people and sources. I am open to other possibilities arising as and when appropriate.

So here are a couple of pages to send to those of you who express interest in my workshops. Please feel free to contact me for more information about my work.

ART MATERIALS  Generally I encourage workshop participants to bring their own art materials, a compass and ruler. However if necessary I can provide the basic necessities. Please call me if you wish me to provide you with art materials.

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Barry spent most of his childhood and youth in England and settled in West Wales during the late ’80’s where he is now based. Since an early age he has had a sense of Oneness as the fundamental reality of existence and this has inspired his work with mandalas since his early 20’s. Over the years his mandala paintings have evolved and his artistic skill has become more refined. At various times he has explored specific themes and symbols in the context of the universal and timeless principles of Light and Colour.

Taking part in a mandala workshop with Barry brings you into direct contact with the mandala as a living art form. This can be a powerful experience facilitating a deepening of awareness and creative expression.

For further details about Barry’s approach to mandalas you can visit his web site, write or phone.
Barry Stevens, Hazeldene, Boncath, Pembrokeshire,
Wales SA37 0JW. UK Tel/Fax 01239 841381.

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