While the pandemic has caused nothing but grief for a lot of us in the past two years, there have been a few who were able to find a silver lining in all this doom and gloom; most notably, the many creatives who have been coming out of the woodworks now that they have a bit of time on their hands to explore their passions.
[caption id="attachment_163198" align="alignleft" width="305"]
Mino Bee Designs Founder Minoli Buultjens[/caption]
Minoli Buultjens is one such creative, best known for her art-based Tiktok and Instagram mino.bee, who has rekindled her love of art, turning to it as a coping mechanism to help her through these uncertain times.
We spoke to Minoli about her rediscovering her creativity and falling back in love with a unique art style called “Mandala” that she has since turned into a nice little side hustle along the way.
Did you always love to draw or was it a passion you stumbled across later in life?
I get my creative genes from my mother, who used to sit and draw with me back when I was a kid.
I remember drawing my first “Mandala” doodle around Grade 6/7. Didn’t know they were called Mandalas/Zentangles until Instagram came about, which got me to dig deeper, find its roots and history, and learn more about the artform as a whole.
I drew on and off the following years until last year. Because of the pandemic and the excessive amount of time on my hands, I got back into it more seriously. This was also an avenue for me to centre myself and come out of low moods during the uncertainties that were prevailing during this time.
These days, most of my spare time is spent drawing and working on custom orders.
Your art style is rather niche, tell us a little about the art of ‘Mandala’.
[caption id="attachment_163197" align="alignright" width="362"]
Sri Lankan Mandala done on a Sri Lankan map[/caption]
The word “Mandala” is a Sanskrit word, which, in direct translation, means “circle” or discoid object. It is an intricate and symmetrical abstract artform. Mandalas are usually circular with a defined centre point and an array of various shapes and patterns. This artform creates a connection between the universe and an individual’s inner self.
What’s most unique about Mandalas is that you can find them in everything around you; history, architecture, nature, religion, science, etc. and they have been used in almost all cultures from across the world during different eras. There is no right or wrong way to draw them. It’s a great form of meditation, a stress reliever, and also a self-centering tool.
As it is with any type of art, drawing Mandalas is a meditative and therapeutic process. It allows you to disconnect from the outside world and connect deeper with the inner self. It focuses more on the journey of creation rather than the final outcome.
A Mandala is unique to its creator. I take a more contemporary approach with my Mandalas; each piece of art I make is inspired by the moment I am in.
There are certain techniques I use to make sure my Mandalas are symmetrical and flow in the direction I want. My Mandalas aren’t usually pre-planned, but I draw what is called a grid, to ensure symmetry. After that, I just let it free flow initially with a sketch of the patterns and proceed to make changes as I go. Sometimes, I get creative blocks. If this happens while drawing a piece, I have a set of pattern sheets I’ve created to draw inspiration from, which I refer to and take it from there.
[caption id="attachment_163200" align="alignleft" width="365"]
‘Mandala’ art done by Minoli[/caption]
You also conduct beginner lessons for Mandala artwork, when did that start and why did you decide to initiate that?
Most individuals do not take up this artform due to their inability to draw anything whatsoever. And that is what this art is all about, imperfections. Mandala is an art form that can be extremely therapeutic and helpful for any individual as a form of destressing, relaxation, and centering ones’ self.
Moreover, it can also be an income generator.
Learning its history, cultures, inspirations, spiritual aspect, connection to science, and effects on mental health, are all things I have learnt from various sources spending a lot of time. Nevertheless, it was a trial-and-error process for me from the beginning. I wanted to incorporate all this into a more easily accessible platform and get individuals to explore this form of art. Hence why I decided to initiate this during the end of last year, having completed a handful of successful workshops over the past few months.
What have been some of your favorite pieces you’ve done so far and what keeps you engaged with the craft?
I love each piece I create. This is because each artwork is different and unique, directly reflecting my inner self at the time it was drawn. However, one piece I am biased towards is the Sri Lankan Mandala done on a Sri Lankan map. It’s so close to my heart and an absolute favourite. I have done many custom pieces, different from each other, but I have always been surprised by the outcomes myself. The moment I complete an artwork, come out of my zone, and look at the full piece has always surprised me and it has always been rewarding, as it denotes that I have completed yet another completely unexpected piece. This, I suppose, is why I am so drawn to this craft, and I continue to engage in it.
You also do commissions. How can people interact with your work and get a feel of whether it is something they would want?
Yes, I do commissions. I have had many clients so far. Although it may not be pleasing to everyone, I cater to any and everyone who has an eye for this particular type of art.
I have catered to bigger projects such as artworks for corporate clients, small hotels, and individual art collectors, etc. as well.
However, my Mandala product launch will happen by the beginning of next year, and these products are more generic and catered to a majority of individuals (for example, stationary items, merchandise, household products, etc).
It’s as simple as reaching out to me with what’s on your mind, and I love when clients give me the creative freedom to work my way through on each piece.
Considering that this is a side gig, do you wish to someday pursue it full time?
I am more of a free spirit so yes, I definitely do. I am laying the foundation for it, as soon as I have reached my immediate goals, I will then look into pursuing this art full time with my brand.
Your thoughts on female entrepreneurs, particularly artists, in Sri Lanka and how they are faring during the pandemic?
I see many new artists on different social platforms, and it definitely boils down to consistency and perseverance. I have personally learnt this the hard way. Times are changing and it is absolutely important we move with the changing needs and cater to those. However, these are definitely challenging times. The inability to showcase work in a physical setup like exhibitions (like a Kalapola), pop-ups, etc. can definitely be a problem. In turn, an increasing number of individuals are looking at additional sources of passive income with an evident loss of most none-to-five’s, financial and family commitments, and living costs increasing at a very high rate.
It goes without saying that Sri Lanka has seen a rise of female entrepreneurs/artists in the recent past, especially with the excess amount of spare time during the lockdown and the pandemic.
With the ample resources available online on different platforms it has been easier than ever to learn new skills, and also to reach potential clients even on an international level. However, all this information could also be overwhelming and a proper guidance and strategy for new artists and entrepreneurs on SME scale is vital. I personally see ample opportunities and many female entrepreneurs are making their grounds today by breaking through to new untapped markets and breaking social and cultural norms. It is a matter of converting the challenges to opportunities not only for themselves but for the country and its economy as a whole as well.
A nudge in the right direction, persistence, and a passion to achieve your dreams is all that is needed to be hopeful for a better future.
Keep an eye out for mino.bee’s upcoming website and online shop:
Instagram: @minobeedesigns
YouTube: Mino Bee
Tiktok: @mino.bee
Pinterest: Mino Bee Designs
Facebook: @minobeedesigns
Twitter: @MinoBeeDesigns
Redbubble: Mino Bee
Behance: Mino Bee
Mino Bee Designs Founder Minoli Buultjens[/caption]
Minoli Buultjens is one such creative, best known for her art-based Tiktok and Instagram mino.bee, who has rekindled her love of art, turning to it as a coping mechanism to help her through these uncertain times.
We spoke to Minoli about her rediscovering her creativity and falling back in love with a unique art style called “Mandala” that she has since turned into a nice little side hustle along the way.
Did you always love to draw or was it a passion you stumbled across later in life?
I get my creative genes from my mother, who used to sit and draw with me back when I was a kid.
I remember drawing my first “Mandala” doodle around Grade 6/7. Didn’t know they were called Mandalas/Zentangles until Instagram came about, which got me to dig deeper, find its roots and history, and learn more about the artform as a whole.
I drew on and off the following years until last year. Because of the pandemic and the excessive amount of time on my hands, I got back into it more seriously. This was also an avenue for me to centre myself and come out of low moods during the uncertainties that were prevailing during this time.
These days, most of my spare time is spent drawing and working on custom orders.
Your art style is rather niche, tell us a little about the art of ‘Mandala’.
[caption id="attachment_163197" align="alignright" width="362"] Sri Lankan Mandala done on a Sri Lankan map[/caption]
The word “Mandala” is a Sanskrit word, which, in direct translation, means “circle” or discoid object. It is an intricate and symmetrical abstract artform. Mandalas are usually circular with a defined centre point and an array of various shapes and patterns. This artform creates a connection between the universe and an individual’s inner self.
What’s most unique about Mandalas is that you can find them in everything around you; history, architecture, nature, religion, science, etc. and they have been used in almost all cultures from across the world during different eras. There is no right or wrong way to draw them. It’s a great form of meditation, a stress reliever, and also a self-centering tool.
As it is with any type of art, drawing Mandalas is a meditative and therapeutic process. It allows you to disconnect from the outside world and connect deeper with the inner self. It focuses more on the journey of creation rather than the final outcome.
A Mandala is unique to its creator. I take a more contemporary approach with my Mandalas; each piece of art I make is inspired by the moment I am in.
There are certain techniques I use to make sure my Mandalas are symmetrical and flow in the direction I want. My Mandalas aren’t usually pre-planned, but I draw what is called a grid, to ensure symmetry. After that, I just let it free flow initially with a sketch of the patterns and proceed to make changes as I go. Sometimes, I get creative blocks. If this happens while drawing a piece, I have a set of pattern sheets I’ve created to draw inspiration from, which I refer to and take it from there.
[caption id="attachment_163200" align="alignleft" width="365"] ‘Mandala’ art done by Minoli[/caption]
You also conduct beginner lessons for Mandala artwork, when did that start and why did you decide to initiate that?
Most individuals do not take up this artform due to their inability to draw anything whatsoever. And that is what this art is all about, imperfections. Mandala is an art form that can be extremely therapeutic and helpful for any individual as a form of destressing, relaxation, and centering ones’ self.
Moreover, it can also be an income generator.
Learning its history, cultures, inspirations, spiritual aspect, connection to science, and effects on mental health, are all things I have learnt from various sources spending a lot of time. Nevertheless, it was a trial-and-error process for me from the beginning. I wanted to incorporate all this into a more easily accessible platform and get individuals to explore this form of art. Hence why I decided to initiate this during the end of last year, having completed a handful of successful workshops over the past few months.
What have been some of your favorite pieces you’ve done so far and what keeps you engaged with the craft?
I love each piece I create. This is because each artwork is different and unique, directly reflecting my inner self at the time it was drawn. However, one piece I am biased towards is the Sri Lankan Mandala done on a Sri Lankan map. It’s so close to my heart and an absolute favourite. I have done many custom pieces, different from each other, but I have always been surprised by the outcomes myself. The moment I complete an artwork, come out of my zone, and look at the full piece has always surprised me and it has always been rewarding, as it denotes that I have completed yet another completely unexpected piece. This, I suppose, is why I am so drawn to this craft, and I continue to engage in it.
You also do commissions. How can people interact with your work and get a feel of whether it is something they would want?
Yes, I do commissions. I have had many clients so far. Although it may not be pleasing to everyone, I cater to any and everyone who has an eye for this particular type of art.
I have catered to bigger projects such as artworks for corporate clients, small hotels, and individual art collectors, etc. as well.
However, my Mandala product launch will happen by the beginning of next year, and these products are more generic and catered to a majority of individuals (for example, stationary items, merchandise, household products, etc).
It’s as simple as reaching out to me with what’s on your mind, and I love when clients give me the creative freedom to work my way through on each piece.
Considering that this is a side gig, do you wish to someday pursue it full time?
I am more of a free spirit so yes, I definitely do. I am laying the foundation for it, as soon as I have reached my immediate goals, I will then look into pursuing this art full time with my brand.
Your thoughts on female entrepreneurs, particularly artists, in Sri Lanka and how they are faring during the pandemic?
I see many new artists on different social platforms, and it definitely boils down to consistency and perseverance. I have personally learnt this the hard way. Times are changing and it is absolutely important we move with the changing needs and cater to those. However, these are definitely challenging times. The inability to showcase work in a physical setup like exhibitions (like a Kalapola), pop-ups, etc. can definitely be a problem. In turn, an increasing number of individuals are looking at additional sources of passive income with an evident loss of most none-to-five’s, financial and family commitments, and living costs increasing at a very high rate.
It goes without saying that Sri Lanka has seen a rise of female entrepreneurs/artists in the recent past, especially with the excess amount of spare time during the lockdown and the pandemic.
With the ample resources available online on different platforms it has been easier than ever to learn new skills, and also to reach potential clients even on an international level. However, all this information could also be overwhelming and a proper guidance and strategy for new artists and entrepreneurs on SME scale is vital. I personally see ample opportunities and many female entrepreneurs are making their grounds today by breaking through to new untapped markets and breaking social and cultural norms. It is a matter of converting the challenges to opportunities not only for themselves but for the country and its economy as a whole as well.
A nudge in the right direction, persistence, and a passion to achieve your dreams is all that is needed to be hopeful for a better future.
Keep an eye out for mino.bee’s upcoming website and online shop:
Instagram: @minobeedesigns
YouTube: Mino Bee
Tiktok: @mino.bee
Pinterest: Mino Bee Designs
Facebook: @minobeedesigns
Twitter: @MinoBeeDesigns
Redbubble: Mino Bee
Behance: Mino Bee