Black Rose Mandala is a piece that came from thinking about how connected we are to the universe, especially during quiet moments—like when we’re falling asleep under a starry sky. There’s something about that stillness that makes you feel both really small and really huge at the same time.

The mandala’s circular shape is meant to feel calm and balanced, like the natural cycles we see in the world and in space. At the center of it all is a rose, which for me represents how our minds work when we dream. Just like a rose has layers of petals, I think our thoughts and feelings peel back in layers when we go deeper into ourselves—especially in sleep. The center of the rose is like that peaceful core inside us that we don’t always notice, but it’s there.

I made this piece to reflect that dreamy, in-between place—where we’re not fully awake but not totally gone either. It’s inspired by those nights when everything’s quiet outside, but inside, we’re exploring all kinds of places. I hope when people look at it, they feel that connection too—between themselves and something bigger.