Andrew works on biographical mandala-like oil paintings

He has taken part in art-based residencies with Stichting Kunst & Complex, in Rotterdam; ArtSpace, Portsmouth; Gamrie, Aberdeenshire and at the Crichton Centre in Dumfries, and now enjoy making artworks mostly from his home studio in Castell Caereinion.

From 1996-2021 he taught a large variety of age groups (4-94), using the art of mandala-making and flower painting as a basis for students to explore their own designs.

Andrew was fortunate to spend a month volunteering at the Tibetan Meditation Centre Kagyu Samye Dzong in London, helping to paint the ceiling of the new shrine room and he has more recently helped to paint parts of the Tara Garden at Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Centre for World Peace in Eskdalemuir, Scotland.

Mandala is an ancient sanskrit word meaning ‘a sacred circle’; the idea being to use the image for meditation; building a mandala helps the focussing on creativity and can help intentionally inspire creativity in those that enjoy creating them.

‘It is better that I work with the humility of knowing that I am still learning.

I endeavour to express optimism, compassion and wisdom.

I am uncovering energies that enable me to work with some purpose. I create small areas of activity expressing these energies.

I begin each piece with intention.

The intention is to uncover my true nature and be kind to it.

Art is a delight and a journey, a struggle made easier with the help of friends.’

Andrew McConnach, 2014