Interview: Wendy Piersall, Artist of Mandala Coloring Books
- Kokoro Buttermilkcat
- Jun 8, 2015
- 5 min read
A mandala is a picture created with geometric shapes and is commonly present in Hindu and Buddhist artwork. Self-taught artist Wendy Piersall used them in a different way by creating coloring books for adults with her original designs inspired by mandalas, helping people from all over find a new form of relaxation. Her series of mandala colouring books were recently thrown into the spotlight after an article on Huffington Post went viral in April.
Buttermilk Cats interviewed Wendy about the background behind creating these books, why they're so immensely popular, and her personal views on happiness.
1) What is your background as an artist? (Tell us a bit about yourself too!)
I've been interested in art as long as I can remember. But at the same time, I've always struggled with art because drawing skills don't come naturally to me. I've had to teach myself everything I know, and have discarded more art than I've saved over the years. It's frustrating to try to draw or paint something that is beautiful in your mind's eye, but ugly on paper! In fact, lately I have been really wanting to create a series of paintings based on vintage women, but I am not very good at drawing people. I can't get these images out of my head, though, so it's forcing me to sit down and learn how to draw people, just to bring this art to life! I'm in mid-life, so it really would be easier to create art that I already know how to create rather than learn new skills. But I'm not always in control over what art wants to be created through me, so I just have to go with it.
2) How did you come up with the idea to create the coloring mandala books?
I've had several blogs with kids' activities since 2008, and I started drawing mandala coloring pages for my blog in 2009 as an idea to create more things I thought my readers would love. My publisher Ulysses Press found those drawings in 2013 and offered me a book deal based on them, and I jumped at the chance. At first, drawing coloring books was just a fun side project that I enjoyed. But then I started hearing from people with PTSD and depression, saying how much my coloring books were helping them to reduce anxiety and find inner peace. Then I was hooked, and was so thrilled that my publisher was willing to work with me on additional titles.
3) Why do you feel this is so popular among adults?
I think that coloring offers people a very accessible way to get to a place of inner peace and calm. Some people can get there through meditation, others through yoga or exercise, or even going for a walk or hike. Artists get there by creating art. Coloring offers the same mental benefits, in a very easy format. With so many benefits, and it being such an easy hobby to start, it's not surprising that it's gotten so popular.
4) What would you say makes your books different from ordinary coloring books?
As I draw more coloring books, my artistic style is really starting to develop and become recognizable in my work. I love that, not just in my own art, but in others' as well. I've had some conversations with other coloring book artists, expressing our frustration with the massive amount of new coloring books being published in a hurry. They are usually just made with clip art slapped on a page - some people like that, and that's OK. I don't like them: they are inconsistent, rushed to print, and not designed by people who actually color. Before I ever finalize a drawing, I always print them out and test them. I really want the people who love my work to also enjoy coloring my work. And I think that shows in the love I pour into my drawings.
5) We heard that all of the designs are handmade! What is your work process / inspiration process in coming up with a design?
I get most of my ideas from my morning meditations, but I am always inspired by art from the late 1800's through the 1920's. I have a huge library of public domain reference art to jump start my ideas if I get stuck - books and magazines I have collected for years. I draw my mandalas in Adobe Illustrator using a Wacom drawing tablet. All the elements are hand-drawn, but I do make extensive use of the custom brushes and symbols in the program to help me replicate patterns easily and flawlessly.
6) What's the 'correct' or best method to fully enjoy them? (e.g. some say to use crayons and not markers; finding a quiet space)
I say that whatever works for you is the "correct" way to enjoy them! I like to listen to music, have a cup of tea by my side, and take frequent breaks because my hand and wrist tire out easily. I use all sorts of artistic media to color: colored pencils, markers, gel pens, water colors and gouache paint. It just depends on my mood and how I want the finished product to look.
7) How have things changed for you since the Huffington Post article on your books went viral?
Yeah - LOTS has changed since then! Ulysses Press immediately offered me two more books: Coloring Dream Mandalas (done and going to press next week!!) and Coloring Ocean Mandalas (starting on it this week). I think more importantly, it showed me that I didn't even realize that I was setting goals that were smaller than what I was capable of. After having my artwork featured in such a big way, with such a positive response, really opened my eyes to how much more was possible in this career. Making adult coloring books was a fun little side project until that happened. Now I'm giving it everything I've got, and I couldn't be happier about it!
8) We support positivity! Share with us what makes you happy?
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” ― Dalai Lama XIV. I really take this quote to heart, and I actively work on being happy every single day. I meditate, avoid sugar, take time with my family, and surround myself with beauty as much as possible. I also meet once a week with a group of women that are self employed. We mentor and support each other with both business and personal challenges, and I love being a part of a group that I can contribute to on a regular basis!
9) What's your favourite happy food? (dessert, snack, anything that makes you happy)
Summer fruits when they are in season - peaches, berries, watermelon - yum!
10) How can we get your books? Are they available worldwide?
My books are available on Amazon and most localized versions of Amazon as well (Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk, etc), Barnes & Noble (both stores and on their site). It has taken longer than we anticipated to get my second book, Coloring Flower Mandalas, into international shops, but I sell signed copies in my Etsy shop and I ship worldwide: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WendyPiersallArt
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Thanks Wendy for the interview!
Find more of Wendy Piersall's art and the latest news about her mandala coloring books at any of her official pages.
Official website: http://www.wendypiersall.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/wendypiersall/
Images: Wendy Piersall
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