Published: October 8, 2021 | Updated: 9th October 2021
They’re striking pieces of art which will bring life – and colour – to any wall.
And until October 17, you’ll be able to see Kate E Randall’s stunning creations up close at an exhibition of her work in Wimborne.
She has built a thriving business around the mandala, a geometric design regarded as highly symbolic in Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
It’s believed to represent different aspects of the universe and is often used as an instrument of meditation and a symbol of prayer, most notably in China, Japan, and Tibet.
As a piece of wall art, mandalas are circles arranged into sections and organised around a single, central point.
Kate first hit on the idea of creating her own hand-painted and bespoke mandalas while living in the Middle East.
She returned to Wimborne, where she grew up, with the influences and ideas gathered during her travels.
Kate said: “I actually got the idea of decorating MDF cut-outs when we went to Abu Dhabi.
“My work is totally individual and I work closely with my clients to match the colours and style of their rooms and decorations.
“They provide me with photos so that the mandala fits in well with its surroundings.
“Most of my work is by word of mouth and I am kept constantly busy.”
Kate, who works from a top floor studio at Wimborne’s Walford Mill Crafts, produces three sizes of mandala with costs starting from £195.
A large mandala can take up to 40 hours to complete.
“I’ve done a lot of research and can’t find anyone doing what I am, certainly in this area,” said Kate.
A former student at Bournemouth’s Talbot Heath School, Kate has worked in a variety of sectors including health and education.
She has a daughter, Tegan, 29, who also has a studio in Walford Mill Crafts with her own business, Ocean Influence Art.
Kate, who has been married for 34 years to Scott, said she had now found her perfect job.
She said: “I just love it.
“Every aspect is so enjoyable, from matching the colours to seeing how happy my customers are when the final result is revealed.
“It’s very satisfying.”
Up to ten of Kate’s designs will be on show at her exhibition – ‘Mandalas and more’ – which is held at Walford Mill Crafts until Sunday October 17.
Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
Kate will be working on her mandalas during the exhibition, providing an insight into the intricate work which goes into each piece of art.
More details about Kate can be found on her Facebook and Instagram pages.