Inspired by her experience with healing practices, artist Keiko Katsuta creates mandalas that convey spiritual meanings. See more of her artwork by visiting her website.
“Our True Essence” gel pens & colored pencils on paper, 17.5″ x 17.5″
The journey began when I was still living in Japan. I met my spiritual teacher, Dolores Hand. She taught us simple spiritual truths; how to meditate by going deeply into our hearts, how to let go, how to forgive, and how to receive and give true love. Her love was so huge and deep that I always felt safe on all levels no matter what.
“Peonies” gel pens & colored pencils on paper, 20″ x 20″
As I was practicing her teachings, I was drawn to becoming a healer. One summer, I visited my friend in the U.S. and had a Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy session. I had no knowledge about the therapy, but the experience of it blew my mind. I went into the deepest relaxation I had ever experienced and felt like my body started to heal itself. Very subtle, but so powerful. After the session, I felt my heart center wide open and a tremendous amount of love pouring out. I was in complete bliss.
“Universe Within” gel pens & colored pencils on paper, 20″ x 26″
Because of that powerful experience, I decided to become a craniosacral therapist. However, there was no good training in Japan at that time. So, I applied for a green card lottery so I could take the training here in the U.S.
“Whale’s Dance” gel pens & colored pencils on paper, 20″ x 26″
I guess it was meant to be. I won the green card lottery at the second try, which is pretty miraculous. I moved to the Bay Area in Northern California, got certified as a massage therapist, and started craniosacral therapy training.
“Redwood Trees” gel pens on paper, 24″ x 18″
In the training, we learned how to be with clients’ inherent health. It is a technique to create a safe environment for clients and hold space for their self-healing ability. Once we establish a safe and relaxing environment, their inherent health knows how to heal the dis-ease in their bodies.
“Crane” gel pens, colored pencils & watercolor on paper, 29.5″ x 22″
I kept deepening my spiritual path while I was practicing Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy. One weekend, I joined a mandala workshop to heal my old patterns and belief systems. That was my first encounter with the mandala world.
“Embracing My Past” gel pens & colored pencils on paper, 13.5″ x 13.5″
The process of creating one is almost the same as doing a craniosacral therapy session. I relax myself deeply, let go of all the thoughts, and hold space for what I want to draw, just like I hold space for the inherent health in my clients. The stillness calms my mind. Each design and geometry not only comes to me without any effort, but gives me important messages. I fell in love with its process and started to draw more.
“Compassion” gel pens & colored pencils on paper, 26″ x 20″
Since then, the style and techniques have deepened and expanded. Now, I use gel pens, colored pencils, and watercolor to give depth and unique textures in my artwork. The sacred geometry and other geometric forms symbolize and convey spiritual meanings and healing energy. I believe that my work helps you feel calm and peaceful, and it is a great reminder of the truth of who we are.
“Our Precious Planet” gel pens & colored pencils on paper, 20″ x 20″
Sharing my mandala artwork is my means to give peace and opportunities to heal from within.
Keiko Katsuta invites you to follow on Instagram and Facebook.