In 1989, Charles relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico and began to explore the Four Corners Area, that is Northwest New Mexico, Northeast Arizona, Southeast Utah, and Southwest Colorado. He fell instantly in love with the area and "The Four Corners Suite” is an expression of the meditative energy and balance he consistently experienced in this fantastic area of the United States.
"The Four Corners Suite" is an inspired group of 13 small "Healing Mandalas." The watercolor paper is a high quality white, approximately 13" X 15" and PH neutral. The image size varies slightly, averaging about 10 inches square. Each print is printed and signed by the artist.
Regarding the numbers: The cross divides the circle into 4 equal parts. The four corners area of the great Southwest is defined by the cross. Charles is extremely interested in numbers and numerology, especially as they relate to Sacred Geometry. In the ancient system of Numerology, the number of Mandalas in this suite (13) vibrates 4.
The original 13 open-eyed meditations (Mandalas) are mixed media (water color, colored ink, acrylic paint and colored pencil) on paper. From the beginning, Charles intended to reproduce the 13 Mandalas on high qua;ity watercolor paper. The idea was to create a suite of affordable fine arts prints. He wanted his patrons to be able to hang a small but powerful Gilchrist Mandala collectible on their wall for about a hundred dollars (including 100% rag mat and quality frame).
Low resolution reproductions can't do these prints justice. They must be seen in person. The beautifully detailed Mandalas are filled with the light and color of the high desert. They are very seductive, drawing you in. The organic forms and color are contained within the squared circle and cross, contributing to a curious quality of dynamic stillness.
Even though they have a wonderful feeling of the great Southwest, they are classic Mandala and fit beautifully into almost any environment. Each Mandala is designed to work as an individual piece but can also be hung together in various combinations (two, three, four, five, etc.). Each mandala is like a musical note or cord. Together (in various combinations) they can create meditative harmonies for any environment. They are just the right size and will add wonderful sparks of color to your home.
