Paula Bramante

Mandalas arise from the compelling human need to know our inner reality, to align this knowing with our body’s wisdom, and to awaken in ourselves a sense of being in harmony with the universe. ~ Suzanne Fincher

The circle is so basic to our daily reality, from the ripples that spread when we toss a pebble into still water, to the full moon, the sun, and the earth itself. We also conceptualize the cycles of life such as the seasons as circles. Instinctively, we are calmed by the continuous flow of the periphery of a circle and the way it is organized around a center. As a form with no beginning or end, a circle represents the eternal and imparts a sense of order, peace, and safety.

"Agape" - Pen, alcohol ink, and mixed media on paper

When I was an undergrad student, I majored in psychology and minored in art with the idea of becoming an art therapist. I eventually took another direction for my livelihood but continued making art for the love of it.

Over the years, mandalas have remained an especially satisfying art form to explore. Now that I’m retired, I find drawing traditional and contemporary designs in the round to be profoundly calming, and hope others experience the same pleasure while looking at the completed design.

Thank you for your interest in my work! May you find the mandala to be a useful tool for touching inner peace and all that is alive in you. 

"Nepsis" - Pen and alcohol ink on paper (Design by Nidhi Prakash)

"Aletheia" - Pen, ink, and mixed media on paper

"Anastasia" - Pen and alcohol ink on paper

"Eunoia" - Pen and alcohol ink on paper

"Mumbai" - Pen and alcohol ink on paper

"Philokalia' - White ink on paper

"Deliquesce" - Pen and alcohol ink on paper

Using Format