In Spanish, Mancha means “to stain”, and has a negative connotation. Mehndi is the Indian/ South Asian art form and cultural practice of applying henna. The plant grows across East and South Asia, Northern Africa, and the Middle East, so it has an ancient relationship with many cultures and countries, including Morocco, Egypt, and Iran. Ancient Egypt is the first known use of henna for body art and cosmetics. There are numerous traditions, ceremonies, and myths around henna from the many places it comes from. I have great respect and admiration for the people who created a sacred connection to henna and contributed to this art form.
Body adornment is a human instinct: practical and a ritual. Jewelry, clothing, tattoos, cosmetics, hair care - these all serve to decorate and distinguish an individual. Henna is unique because it painlessly bonds to the skin and disappears with time. It does require the recipient to sacrifice time: intentional time to receive the henna application, a practice in patience as it dries and stains the skin, and daily appreciation to give it care for longevity. In this sacrifice of time, you are in turn taking a pause for yourself, slowing down to receive, and committing to care for yourself. The henna night of a bride takes all day as her hands, forearms, and feet are adorned. Her job is to pause and receive while family care for her and gather before she embarks on a new chapter in her life.
I use henna for radical self care, commemorating special moments, and building community. For my clients, I hope they carve the time into their busy lives to receive at least 1 hour of henna and engage in relaxing, non-strenuous activities for the rest of the day- take a meandering walk around Lake Merritt, see a movie, make dinner with a loved one. Below are some reasons why my clients seek a henna application-
Decoration before a special event i.e. birthday
Decoration before a vacation
Love and celebration of the self
Because it sounds like fun!
For a photoshoot
Parties with friends
Ladies night with wine and food
Couples setting intentions with each other
Strength through a challenging moment
A gift to a loved one
Blessing for an expecting mother and her baby
To commemorate a change in your life
About Abigail Nestora Sotelo
I have been practicing henna for 12 years. I discovered henna when I was a teen and it was a great way to express myself and bond with friends. My henna style has evolved from traditional tattoo to intuitive floral and geometric patterns inspired by nature, Mexican embroidery, and textiles of the world cultures. Many of my designs incorporate the hamsa, evil eye, snakes, and human figures. I feel empowered when wearing the deep red hues of henna on my hands and body. It is an old and familiar magic. I hope to translate my reverence for henna history and experience creating live freeform art to my clients. I prefer to work freestyle, letting the henna flow spontaneously and reflect the energy of the person receiving my art. I do consider special requests and location preferences. Occasionally I stretch my art brain and do portraits, animals, and specific symbols.
When not doing henna, I am building my painting practice, working in watercolor and acrylics. My work is inspired by the world around me- people, places, feelings. I am a founding member of Ouch! Collective, and based in Oakland, CA. I am currently open to mural projects.
I do not come from a henna culture. I prefer not to do traditional Indian wedding mehndi or sangeets and reserve that art form to people who come from that culture. I am happy to refer you to local henna artists who offer wedding henna.