Kathryn Mary Crowley

Writer-Artist based in Ireland

Bliss on the beach (mandala art).

Kathryn Mary Crowley

An eight pointed shape drawn in sand. Inside it are long green leaves, coloured shells, stones, and feathers on sand. The sea is visible i in the background. Land art by Kathryn M. Crowley, Ireland.
A circle of shells on sand.

Making mandala art while listening to the music of the ocean keeps me in the moment.

The word ‘mandala’ comes from Sanskrit. It means ‘circle’. Focusing on a geometrical design calms the mind.

A circle of shells and feathers on sand. The sea can be seen in the background. Land art by Kathryn M. Crowley, Kerry, Ireland.
A circle of shells, stones, and feathers on sand. Land art by Kathryn M. Crowley, Kerry, Ireland.
A long green leaf, coloured shells, stones, and feathers on sand. Land art by Kathryn M. Crowley, Ireland.
An eight pointed shape drawn in sand. Inside it are long green leaves, coloured shells, stones, and feathers on sand. The sea is visible i in the background. Land art by Kathryn M. Crowley, Ireland.

Constructing one is a ritual of sorts. The sea reclaims everything when the tide comes in.

I collect stones, driftwood, shells, flowers, and more from the landscape, then assemble a pattern. The process is quite physical, and I enjoy it.

When working with natural materials, I prefer to use the term ‘Earth Art’, as I don’t always construct mandalas.

Email me if you’d like an Earth Art workshop for your group or organisation.