We all need connection.
I started painting rocks during Covid in 2020 after seeing mandala rock painting videos online. I was hooked immediately. I ordered 3-4 inch black river rocks and dotting tools. After painting each mandala in a friend’s favorite colors, I wrote a personal message for them on each rock’s underside.
Mandala is Sanskrit for circle or center, representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist religions. The intricate geometric designs also symbolize wholeness and unity. Mandalas are used as spiritual guidance tools to meditate, focus, and be mindful.
After mixing and thinning the colors, I put a dot in the center of each rock with the back of a worn down mechanical pencil eraser. (The big dotting tool didn’t work for me.) Then I made smaller dots to the north, south, east, and west of the center dot, then dots between each of those. The mandalas organically grew from there. This year, I handpicked rocks from Chesterfield Valley Nursery. They had a variety of colors and sizes.
I let the rocks guide me as I paint. I incorporate the stones’ special markings in the design. Once exclusively mandalas, the designs have expanded to flowers, rainbows, and asymmetrical patterns. Since rocks are such good communicators, I decided they deserve their own names, which I’ve written on the underside of each rock. I want these pet rocks to calm, comfort, and ground you–to help you stay present.
I hope you will provide them a forever home.
