ABOUT THE PAINTING

Contemporary painter Sandra Hildreth is best known for her oil and watercolor paintings of “what is wild” in the Adirondacks. She writes that her paintings do not have to qualify as representing “true wilderness”; they just need to have some wilderness qualities. Hildreth focuses on capturing places where “nature is dominant, not civilization.” The outdoors, and, specifically the Adirondacks, provide Hildreth with an experience in which she can use all of her senses while being present. For instance, her mandala series stands apart from her other projects due to the works’ unique composition.

Hildreth’s mandalas are based on Tibetan Buddhist mandalas. In the Buddhist tradition, mandalas often serve as an example of the universe in a “perfect” condition, and the creations typically portray a universe of suffering shifting to one of joy. Additionally, mandalas represent a spiritual journey and universe which is revealed through the geometric design of the figure. Mandalas have many layers which start from the outside and end up with a focus at the inner core.

Similarly, the Adirondacks serve as Hildreth’s spiritual universe. Adirondack Mandala captures several depictions of an Adirondack landscape. The painting itself consists of shapes, each presenting its own view of the area and the wilderness. Several of the images are rotated which serves as an effective means of drawing the viewer fully into the work of art. Each view within the painting highlights the importance of mountains, trees, bodies of water and the sky. Within the work, the trees and mountains are presented with dark colors which contrast against the lighter-toned skies above them. Under each image lies a caption in pencil which identifies where the specific view is located. While the history of people in the Adirondacks is important, Hildreth’s work focuses on capturing just nature and beauty. Hildreth reveals her sense of connection to, and passion for, the region by creating these images and giving credit to each individual place. While seeing these different locations, the viewer is invited to become a part of the experience. Adirondack Mandala serves as a promoter for and protector of the natural landscape of the Adirondacks. – Shelby Oken

 

Sandra Hildreth
Adirondack Mandala, 1998
Watercolor on paper, 20 x 19 1/2 in.
SLU 98.24
Richard F. Brush Art Gallery
St. Lawrence University
Canton, NY