Life is never without some form of stress. Worries about our health, finances, or the state of the world constantly infiltrate our minds. But artist Kate Johnston has a remedy. To ease these emotions, she’s drawing inspiration from ancient creative methods. Weaving together delicate shapes, patterns, and colours, she forms intricate mandalas that give the head and heart a chance to breathe.
While working in advertising, Johnston was riddled with anxiety. On the rare occasion that she had time to spare, she started doodling mandalas. Rooted in Buddhism and Hinduism, these diagrams symbolise life and the universe. As Johnston continued honing her artistic practice, she witnessed the process become more intimate. “Mandalas are seen as a form of active meditation or therapeutic art because they help quiet down the scattered mind,” she says. Feeling her troubles melt away before the page, she decided to share the technique with others who may need it.
Johnston founded the online platform Poppy & Kate, where she publishes her sketches and tutorials on creating mandalas. “Art can provide an outlet for all the things we’re feeling but may not know how to express verbally,” she says. When mayhem seems to reign over us, having a channel for self-expression could be the key to unlocking our inner strength. By making these designs easily accessible, Johnston is helping others not only explore their creativity, but simply be in the present. “My hope is that they’ll bring a little bit of calm to people amongst all the chaos and uncertainty,” she says.
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