Meet Heather Dettmann | Organic Mandala Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Dettmann and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Heather, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I have an annual affirmation. A single word that I choose for a new year. I started this inspirational word journey in 2018. What I like about it, is that every year I use a different word that truly guides my year forward.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create organic mandala art. My mandala art is inspired by nature and traveling. I have several mediums that I use.
Black paper/illustration board with Prisma color pencils. I have had many mandala mentors since 1999 that have taught me about mandalas and how to pay attention to my innerness to create. My mandala pieces come from the journey I choose to take every day. When I am in a positive space mentally it shows through my work. I use daily body movement, morning meditation, music, nature, travel, and many other inspirations. My daily lifestyle builds confidence. I also create nature mandala art and food mandalas.
I am proud to see how much I have grown as an artist over the last 33 years and excited to widen my reach.
I have had my mandala art at huge dance events in the Midwest, published in several books, published on an oracle card deck, and my social media presence grows every year. I have been interviewed by podcasters and online magazines in Japan. As a professional, I am always growing and learning about myself. My biggest challenge was living in Japan for 13 years. Due to lack of language fluency and an itch to always leave Japan to overcome depression. I finally made the biggest step of my life in March of 2020, yes right when Covid-19 dropped in on us. Getting a divorce, having to leave my children in Japan, leaving my everything to re-build my life in my home country for myself and my children’s future. There are no easy steps in overcoming challenges, if it was easy we would not grow. So, I had a choice. Stay in my comfort zone, or leap into my dreams.
The lessons I have learned are that we must live life like tomorrow isn’t promised.
Wake up feeling grateful for every second you have left in this world.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I would take them into the beauty of nature that surrounds the city. Hiking and sightseeing in the mountains is a must when living in Denver. I love to cook at home but if I do go out it is for Thai food at Taste of Thailand. The first Friday art walk on Santa Fe is a favorite and Meow Wolf is a wild journey to be seen. MORU Coffee, Sonder Coffee, and Sojourners Coffee houses are some of my favorites. Hammocks in the park on a hot summer day is where I like to hang out.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
YOU ARE A BADASS by Jen Sincero. This book and all her books have changed my perspective on life.
And that time in 1995 when I picked up the book The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield was truly where this all started for me.
My kids.
Not in that exact order.
Website: https://heatherdettmann.design/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherdettmannmandala/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherdettmannmandala
Other: Etsy: MandalaArtByHeather https://www.etsy.com/shop/MandalaArtByHeather