An ancient art form renewed

Jo Ellen Byrnes stands in her Laguna Beach Mandalas shop which specializes in "psychedelic impressionism." Photo by Don Leach

Jo Ellen Byrnes first began working with mandalas as a psychologist through expressive art therapy. Noting their energetic and spiritual significance, the experience inspired the Laguna resident and artist to draw from her intimate communion with nature and begin designing her own works of art.

Mandala — Sanskrit for “circle” — is a form of art used cross-culturally in spiritual teachings, meditation and to create sacred space. The traditional form is a square with four gates encompassing a circle with a center point of focus.

Two years ago, Byrnes launched Laguna Beach Mandalas, a collection that she says captures the essence of Laguna within a spiritual geometric mandala that is psychedelic Impressionist metaphorical realism.

…Continue reading An ancient art form renewed