Welcome to Elypsis's Gallery of Mandalas
Elypsis Art is a collaborative endeavor by Lexington artists, Sonya Darlene Blaydes and David Alan Arnold. They set forth to show that beauty is literally, everywhere, if you but take the time to notice. Flowers, trees and streams have their inherent natural beauty, but so do the twisting reflections of trees and sky on the surfaces of streams, or mirrored windows on one building reflecting another architects idea of constructural beauty, or a scratched and rusty, yet burnished, steel table in a greenhouse, gleaming in evening sunlight. David and Sonya are always looking for high contrast or overtly colorful patterns that can be manipulated into their art form. Over the last five years, they have discovered a wide range of subject matter that fits into the symmetrical, mandalic theme. By capturing the various patterned settings from unusual camera angles, they are able to arrive at linear or organic, symmetrical mandalas that captivate the eye, and help focus and pacify a wandering mind.
David and Sonya believe that these pieces of art have the ability to function as portals that lead us away from the stresses and strains of our modern world, into a place of mental focus, that engenders peace and beauty that fills our beings with hope and its consequent contentment. The world is always this way, but we get distracted from such naturally rich perceptions by impending schedules and the daily housekeeping of our lives. Their hope is that you find this art as salutary to your daily conundrums. That each piece is a pleasant, orderly, respite from the jumbled chaos we swim through in our efforts to reach tomorrow. They encourage you to quiet your mind in front of each one, and take it in like a breath of fresh air, a drink of crisp, spring water, a gift to lift your hearts toward clear perceptions, and true compassion.