Mandala Cipher Hewers was born in Florida, likely in the 60's or 70's. If that statement sounds a little odd to you, we'd have to agree. You see, Mandala is the pseudo name for an artist that refuses to be identified, and who has gone to great lengths to keep it that way. We first met Mandala in San Francisco in 2001, and had the wonderful opportunity to sit down and speak with him.
A self described "Odd Little Man", Mandala has a quick smile, though overshadowed by a few quirks. Since early childhood, he has been plagued with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Carrying on a conversation with him is a bit of a feat, as he constantly stops to count (out loud) anything and everything, as well as constant wrestling with a multitude of nervous "Ticks", uncontrolled winks, tongue-clicking, and snapping fingers. He told us a story about needing to count the lines in the sidewalk on Grant Avenue all the way through Chinatown. He said he got about halfway when a car backfired, making him loose count. He walked back to China Gate and started over. We asked him how many there were, and he replied with a grin, “Go count them yourself”.
Mandala says he is terrified of the possibility of any measure of fame or recognition, as his disorder causes him tremendous embarrassment. He avoids eye contact, and keeps his eyes looking down. We understand his fear, as he certainly draws the attention of everyone around him. We told him his work was admired by many people who would not be influenced by his condition, to which he replied “Some would”. When we prodded him playfully about his real name, he smiled and said we could call him “MC”.
As we discussed his artwork, we realized everyone who sees his work, gets an invitation inside the head of a tortured soul. He constantly sees shapes and objects in everything he looks at. These shapes haunt Mandala until he "Expels Them" by creating them in his works. I am reminded of Salvador Dali, who used to fall asleep with a brush taped in his hand so he could paint his dreams immediately upon waking. You can see his torture in the Devine Comedy Series.
Mandala says his father taught him to weld as a teenager. Soon after, he was welding all sorts of objects, but his father would ultimately destroy them as he needed the metal. Once Mandala says his father came home one evening to find that he had welded every metal tool in his fathers toolbox together; hammers, saws, pliers, and chisels. With a grimace of pain in his face, he added that was a very long night. Then he smirked, and with a tilt of his head, says it was one of the best pieces he ever did!
Mandalas creations have been shown everywhere from local artist exhibitions to galleries across the United States. As he puts it, "I get to have my cake, and eat it too".
Copy approved by Mandala Cipher Hewers 2001
Permission filed with Sutton Place Gallery.
