I remember the first time that I saw a group of Buddhist monks make a sand mandala. They spent two days laboring to create this amazingly colorful work of art only to destroy it. This stark example of the transitory nature of life as exemplified by their work had a profound effect upon me.

I find that chalk art serves the same purpose. Chalk is an outstanding media for creating art and allows the artist the ability to produce a masterpiece in a similar way to using pastels. Different colors and hues can be attained by mixing different colors and blending them together to achieve a precision found in a professional studio. The fact that the resulting artwork will only last until the next rain actually enhances the beauty of the effort.

Another thing I really appreciate about chalk art is the fact that young children are naturally attracted to it. Most children experience their first foray into the art world by chalking on the sidewalk outside their home. I love to see their faces light up when they experience what can be done with chalk. I think their background in this medium provides them with a confidence that they could grow their art skills too.

You can see me participate in a chalk art competition on a “Maker Nation” episode on the Very Local Ap at Very Local