My art is my meditation.

There are days where I spend literally *hours* in a trance-like state, painting tiny intricate mandala designs on a stone that will fit in the palm of your hand.


![AS025-DualChakra.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/alchemystones/23xVRpJ3N9TYqxXeCgAC8HfVnawuWxXp2Z8X3SmMyUjrxQvK18VVLeCSnhVKniXWjTGB5.jpg)


I totally *do* understand how Buddhist monks can spend hours and days creating intricate mandala sand paintings!

When we go out and attend arts and crafts shows, the question often comes up of *"where do the designs come from."*

Well, definitely *not* from a photograph or a book. They are *completely* free-hand, and I use no templates and *"cheat marks"* or anything else of the sort. I also don't make sketches, and I generally have no preconceived ideas when I start working. As far as I know, I'm the only one using this precise style, so I am not *"borrowing"* from a colleague.


![AS025-InProgress.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/alchemystones/243zkBR9SSJVqJG1686JgtLV86z8G689kSYht5qv7USNH7fxFjd81SDyfUxLmczMS77yW.jpg)
*Work in progress... where will it end?*

## *Woo-woo... or Not?*

The *"business"* end of art tends to be rather fickle. It's a bit *odd,* really. The idea of *"crazy artists"* seems to be both *expected* and a little bit *repulsive* to people, at the same time.

Sometimes I feel tempted to say that the designs constitute *"channeled information,"* but I'm not entirely sure how *accurate* that actually is.

I pick out a stone from my bins of stuff gathered while beachcombing, sit down in my workspace and put a single drop of colored paint at the center of the stone. What happens from that point forward — all the way until I am *"done"* — is pretty much without *plan* or any kind of preconceived notions. The only *exception* to that is if I am doing some kind of *commission* for someone who requested a stone *"similar to"* a design they once saw, but I sold it in the meantime. OR if I am working on designs that are part of *sets* where the stones must have a similar appearance.


![AS025-Gateway.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/alchemystones/23zGaff23hsLSRdPE7dUCuJb7DFraP3cx6HHUu1Am8i4BvTkehGewLoZTXrcqxSJgxCrc.jpg)
*That was a commission... it took 3-4 days to do.*

And I *very rarely* agree to do those because... well, I don't really *like* made-to-order.

The alternative is to say that the designs are *"inspired by sacred geometry found in nature,"* which is certainly also true. I spend a *lot* of time crawling around on my stomach with a macro camera, taking extreme close-ups of the patterns found in flowers, leaves and such.

As accurate a statement as any — and the *least* spiritual/woo-woo — would be *"because I like the way they look!"*

## *Opinions From Favorite Events!*

We don't *just* take the stones to Arts and Crafts events, we also attend various *"alternative"* conferences and shows, like *"Faerie Festivals,"* Steampunk events and UFO/Paranormal conferences.

Interestingly enough, by far the most *successful* events we go to *(sales wise)* are the UFO-Paranormal Summits. Seems like those with an interest in UFOs and the Paranormal are *extremely receptive* to what I am doing.


![AS025-ThroatChakra.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/alchemystones/EoeDzrppNEagSrrrMfyu6RYPBkJX6rmZwv3qSUfiT3CDiR3jKpqfahHV2t7JhkXR11u.jpg)


When we are there, fellow attendees who visit our table often say that what I am doing constitutes *"messages from the Universe."* Who am I, to argue with that? Actually, I shouldn't be too *"flip"* about that... sometimes it feels like the most *accurate and relevant* characterization of *"where"* the designs come from.

Ultimately, perhaps it doesn't really *matter.* 

There are *so* many different and distinct reasons for why art and design *"speaks"* to people and resonates with them. I am partial to the *"from space"* idea though... perhaps swayed by the fact that it's what my *"most appreciative"* audience seems to think.

Thanks for visiting!

![AS-0000-Spacer.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/alchemystones/23vsNU1LPAccErViMruWQRcJnb8igXk9AXNCkM4iuZXmo1QFHeLEJpbGhK1RG3P9xPE1r)

Because I *am* trying to make some semblance of income — a *part time living,* even — I now add this footer to all my posts, in the hope that someone, somewhere, might decide to take a further look at my work, and perhaps consider supporting independent art.

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and support!

My **[Alchemy Stones Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/AlchemyStones)** appeal

**[Alchemy Stones web site](https://www.alchemystone.com/)** and blog

**[Alchemy Stones on eBay](https://www.ebay.com/str/Alchemy-Stones)**

**[Alchemy Stones on Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlchemyStones)**

**[Alchemy Stones on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AlchemyStones/)**

Regardless, your upvotes and comments are always appreciated!

## Thank you for supporting independent art!

***2021.07.21 AS-TXT-059/025***