14/01/2021
“In year 2006 I started to build a natural home, with the help of a local builder, in south east Arizona in America, in the countryside. The walls of the house were made out of straw bales, on the inside of the building there was clay plaster covering the walls.
I wanted to leave a natural opening so that the straw can be seen & felt. In the natural building world this kind of opening is called a Truth Window. At the time I was studying pottery / ceramics at a local pottery, I have created this round ceramic frame. It was fired twice in the ceramic kiln (oven) . The temperature of the kiln was exceptionally high on the second firing, that caused the clay to open & crack in one place. So the result is an open circle...
I love this idea of an open circle, it symbolizes new possibilities & openness...”
Leaves, acorns, rose petals and branches on earth mandala:
“Several years ago I was traveling in Estonia, I was a guest at a home of lovely people, the host, along with her kids, took me to see nature nearby, kids & myself spontaneously started to create this mandala made out of branches, rose petals, acorns, etc. It was really fun & playful to create this mandala with the kids (kids were about 4 years of age) It reminded, how the natural world is so inviting creativity, open & available. I had a comfortable, nice time being a guest at that family’s home. Children are naturally so creative. Kids & I also drew & painted on paper. It was good time. I am still sometimes in touch with that hosting family from Estonia.”
~Shami Orkibi