Why I Choose to Draw Mandalas by Hand:
In an ever more technological and AI based world, why do I choose to draw my mandalas by hand?
So many beautiful ones are created (in a fraction of the time it takes me) with computers, so again, why?
I think I want to start with a list of pros of each method and then explain my stance on it.
Handmade Mandalas
- You have to concentrate, to be more mindful
- It is more relaxing
- You have to trust the process
- You feel the energy of who drew the art piece
- There’s something beautiful about the imperfections on the final result
Digital Mandalas
- You can redraw everything as many times as you need to make it perfect
- You can copy lines and curves so everything is more symmetrical
- You can alter colours
- You can try things out and delete them if you don’t like them
- Easier to travel around with your work
So, I understand people want to use digital mediums to draw but I like the traditional way. I like to feel the paper and pencil and I love not really knowing how it is going to finish. I feel the mandala is drawn by itself, I am just the hand that does it.
And for the viewer there is something special when you look at something imperfect that has been handmade. You can feel the energy, the soul of who designed the art piece you are watching. There is something more humane about it. There is a connection between the artist and the viewer.
In the end, both methods are valid. Both create beauty. But for me, hand-drawing mandalas is not just about the result, it’s about the journey, the intention, and the quiet joy of creating something that carries a piece of my spirit within it.
So, what do I do?
I usually hand-draw my mandalas, then scan and digitally adjust the colours, if needed, to stay as close as possible to the original. I then print them for the final product.
Why don’t I sell the originals? Because I want my art to be accessible. Affordability helps me reach more people and share the message behind the work.
And for those struggling to choose between traditional and digital, here’s a quote by Robert Marzullo that has stuck with me:
“What if there was a massive power outage and you lost your digital files and access to your art programs – would you still be a good artist?”
(Check out his article on Medium: Digital Art and Traditional Art: Pros and Cons)