ABOUT ME
Welcome. I’m Lynn Hanford-Day, a lover of colour and a creator of soulful art, specialising in sacred geometry, mandalas and the tradition of Islamic Pattern.
I am a visual artist working on paper and canvas using watercolours or acrylics. The energy of each painting is unique due to the different mediums, colours and patterns. Some of the patterns are formed intuitively, other patterns are based on sacred geometry such as the Flower of Life or the Sri Yantra. Every pattern is hand drawn with the use of compasses and straight edge, sometimes I draw freehand depending on the medium. I never use a computer. It still blows my mind that every single pattern begins with a compass point and a circle and the ruler is used purely to draw straight lines and is never used as a measure. All measurements come from within the pattern and are taken by the compass, and this requires a high degree of accuracy to maintain the precision of the pattern. I prefer to work with handmade paper and handmade watercolour paints made from minerals and natural pigments. Working with gold paint and gold leaf is something of a passion too.
My fascination for the mystical, the mind, body and spirit, energy healing, archetypes, symbols and rituals has been lifelong. As a child I loved Spirograph, mazes, labyrinths and kaleidoscopes. Then, at the age of 52 I found myself once again drawing circles and spirals.
I joined a meditative art class in January 2013 with no idea what it entailed other than meditation and an opportunity for healing. I was burnt out, exhausted, diagnosed with depression and signed off work. My body had given up, ensuring that I had to stop and learn the art of S-L-O-W. Some people have a physical heart attack, mine was a long night of the soul that lasted many months. I had lost heart and turned to ash. Yet I found solace and silence from the insomnia and incessant chatter in my head by colouring in pictures of mandalas and kaleidoscopes. You can read more about my path to recovery that I wrote about on this guest blog post: Breakdown to breakthrough – my wholehearted life - Quiet Writing.
As I recovered, I wanted to learn how to draw these patterns myself. I couldn’t find a class so I taught myself with a book, protractor and set of compasses. Art became my journey back to self and colour became my medicine. Then, through a series of serendipitous events I found the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London and took a number of their public classes, as well as workshops from other Master Geometers. My first ever geometry class was in Celtic Pattern and it blew mind!
I love that there is so much more to the pattern than the pattern. Behind every pattern is a rich history of meaning, philosophy, numerology, the astrology and astronomy of the cosmos, quantum physics, and anthropology. I have been working with patterns for many years now and they continue to bring me peace and keep me sane. I love being able to connect with my creativity and intuition and am delighted that my art brings such joy to other people. If someone had told me before my illness that I would be making and selling art I would have laughed. In the early days I really struggled to find classes which is why I now offer them myself, along with workshops in expressive and intuitive art.
ISLAMIC PATTERN, YANTRAS & MANDALAS
These patterns represent Oneness, and for some traditions sacred connection with the Divine, the One. The patterns have been used to adorn mosques, temples, cathedrals, sacred sites, palaces and homes for millennia. Depending on the tradition the patterns may emphasise certain beliefs and philosophies.
The patterns are about wholeness and unity, an integration of masculine and feminine, heaven and earth, balance and the divine order of the cosmos. The creative process is a form of meditation whilst gazing on one can be similar to meditating on a candle flame. All of this combines to offer healing and insight to both the creator and the viewer, bringing about a feeling of peace and harmony. The patterns resonate with energy and the same pattern in different colours can vibrate with very different feelings.
Mandala is a Sanskrit word that means ‘circle’. Creating mandalas is an ancient practice and they exist in various forms across all civilisations, from the Medicine Wheels of the Native Americans to the highly developed forms of the Tibetan Buddhist monks or the beautiful spirals and circles of Celtic pattern. The eminent psychologist C.G. Jung became very interested in mandalas and their symbolism. Drawing one daily, he saw the mandala as a representation of the Self, a manifestation of the psyche.
For me, the creation of a pattern comes from my heart and the colour palettes are chosen intuitively. All of these energies find their way into my paintings, making them truly individual.
“I saw the piece I purchased on Lynn’s Instagram and it instantly spoke to me of expansion - and gives me the feels each time I look at it. The quality of Lynn’s work is top class, the precision and finish quality is wonderful. The complexity of some pieces is amazing! I see different tones and qualities to my piece at different angles which is lovely. I’d highly recommend Lynn to create a piece for you”
— CLAIRE, FROME
“I commissioned a Mandala from Lynn as I wanted a representation of the start of a new chapter in my life. Lynn created a beautiful piece, which was both artistically stunning and incredibly personal.
By getting to know my intentions in her friendly, humorous and intuitive way, she perfectly captured it all in my personal mandala. I love it!! Lynn AND her Artwork are incredibly special. I can highly recommend.”
— CLAIRE, IBIZA
MY OFFERINGS TO YOU
If you are interested in commissioning an original, either for yourself or as a gift, please contact me. Alternatively, you can purchase an existing print or original from my shop.
If you would like to learn more about mandalas or intuitive art then come along to one of my workshops. No previous experience of art, maths or geometry is required.
