Mandala is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning ‘whole’ as symbolized by the circle. Sacred mandalas, diagrams of the universe, are created to aid one in meditation. These macro views of nature’s marvels hold multiple layers of meaning; they are rendered in watercolor and aquarelle pencil. Working with live specimen, with great care Kate captures every nuance and detail: the crinkles and delicate edges of petals, the exquisite minutiae of stamen and pistils, not to mention the tell-tale evidence of an insect’s presence. In the border regions, Kate’s imagination takes flight, and she freely invents plausible tendrils and other creatures to encircle her treasures.
