Common Questions
How long does it take to make a mandala?
This is a common question that I find hard to answer as there are many factors that can influence the final amount of time I spend on each piece. Developing the color palette I envisioned can sometimes be a quick and easy process. Yet at other times, it turns into a long and arduous day. Of course, the size of the round heavily influences the amount of time needed since the surface area grows exponentially with each added inch of diameter. A 24-inch round is only twice as wide as a 12-inch, yet it’s four times as large in terms of square inch surface area. Some designs take longer than others as well, but hopefully the time I need overall will decrease as I become more experienced. To give a more precise idea, “Summer Garden” and “The Edge of Morning” took respectively more than 40 and 50 hours from start to finish.
What type of material is the round base?
The base of the mandala is a cut from medium density fiber board (MDF), which is made by compressing together resin and recycled wood fibers under very high heat and pressure. It’s my choice for painting mandalas as it offers a very smooth surface with no knots or grain.
What type of paint products do you use?
After sealing the round with an acrylic primer, several layers of a satin finish acrylic are applied and sanded to create an optimal base. Premium quality matte acryclic paints that offer rich pigment and preferred consisentency are then used to paint the primary designs. Highly pigmented metallic acrylics, specialized dimensional paints, pretty rhinestones, and geometric mirrors may be used to enhance texture and dimension. Finally, a gloss varnish is applied to protect the paint and enhance its vibrancy.
What type of hanging system is used?
Two d-rings and hanging wire is the most common hanging system I use, especially if the piece has been on display at an art show. Occasionally, however, one or two sawtooth hangers may be adhered instead.
How heavy is a mandala?
The weight of any mandala is naturally determined by the size of the MDF round used. The approximate range is just 2 pounds for a 12 inch to 15 pounds for a 30 inch. The condensed nature of MDF makes it heavier than wood so for that reason, birch plywood might be chosen for mandalas greater than 30 inches in diameter.
How should a mandala be displayed and cared for?
Displaying indoors is necessary since the compressed wood product used for the round is vulverable to water damage. Hanging it in a location away from direct sunlight is also recommended for helping to preserve the vibrancy of the paints. Without using any cleaning products, dust with a clean, microfiber or other lint-free cloth. Wetting the cloth with water should be avoided unless necessary to remove excessive dust or grime.
Do you take custom orders?
Yes, provided the timeline is flexible in case of other commissioned orders ahead of yours and because part of the beauty in handpainted mandalas is the slow, meditative process the artist enjoys while creating them. Please see the “Contact Artist” page to view pricing before shipping and to submit an inquiry for a commissioned piece.
Is any of your work on display?
Occasionally, yes. I have thus far been pleased to be part of a few community exhibits at Northeast Harbor Library, Jesup Memorial Library, and ArtWaves Community Art Center. I also have near future plans to show at local businesses as well.
Can I purchase from you directly?
If you’re local to the Mount Desert Island area where I live, then I’d be happy to sell directly and doing so might lower your costs if you don’t need to have your item shipped to another destination. However, if you’re not near where I live in Maine and/or need to have the finished piece shipped, then it’s easiest and more affordable for you to purchase through this website.
Do you sell prints of your finished pieces?
Not at this time, but it may be something I explore as my business grows.
Is the cost of shipping included in the price?
Shipping rates fluctuate significantly with size, weight, and destination, so for mandalas up to 28 inches, the cost of delivery is currently a buyer expense calculated at checkout. For custom orders above 28 inches, I will research carrier pricing and include it in my quote for a custom design.
Do you offer international shipping?
I have not yet shipped internationally but I’m certainly willing to research carriers and offer a quote. Please use the Contact Artist form to let me know the name of the piece that interests you and the address of its destination. I will then be able to gather quotes from shipping providers and offer you an estimate.
How long will it take for an order to ship?
Allowing time to pack it securely, finished artwork should typically still be ready to ship within 3 to 5 business days from the time the order is received.
Do you accept returns?
Unfortunately, the high cost of shipping would make it prohibitive to return purchased art for a refund. If your item is damaged in transit, however, we can file an insurance claim with the shipping service.