PERSONAL MANDALA
How to draw a mandala
Virginia Fleck - Mandala Artist - Re-purposed Materials
Motion with the Phenakistoscope
BIG IDEA: You will create a personal radial design while discovering both cultural and scientific origins. Different techniques will be explored.
ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How can a mandala design be connected and reflect science, math and world culture?
KEY KNOWLEDGE: You will review and know:
Cymatics with Evan Grant
Navajo Chant - Cymatics Visualized
Cymatics & Resonance Video
How to make a cymatic sounder
How to make a cymatic plate
WHAT IS A MANDALA?
GAIN INSIGHT TO CULTURE: It is hard to find a culture (past or present) that has not recognized the symbolic qualities and transcendental potentials of the circle and its various geometries. The circle is the first two dimensional archetype, a metaphysical doorway of Oneness.
Use SYMBOLS (and patterns) to communicate ideas.
REVIEW ART ELEMENTS and basic vocabulary of (sacred) geometry – pattern, unity, balance, symmetry, radial design, golden mean, PI, geometric ratios, and geometric figures were often employed in the design of Egyptian, ancient Indian, Greek and Roman architecture. Medieval European cathedrals also incorporated symbolic geometry. Indian and Himalayan spiritual communities often constructed temples and fortifications on design plans of mandala and yantra.
DESIGN PROCESS:
SCIENCE CONNECTION: Engineers study the radial balance of birds, insects and other animals (BIO-MIMICRY) to develop aircraft for aerospace technology. Bio mimicry is the examination of Nature, its models, systems, processes, and elements to emulate or take inspiration from an order to solve human problems. As symmetry underlies nature, science and mathematics, many problems can be solved and many issues resolved by the application of principles based on symmetry in engineering and science. Biomimicry is innovation inspired by nature.
How do I know when I am finished?
MANDALAS LINKS:
History of the Mandala
Asia-Mandala History
Native American Mandalas/Dream Catchers/Symbols/History
Traditional Mandala Symbolism
SACRED GEOMETRY:
Archimedean Solids – Fold Up Patterns
Sacred Geometry
ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How can a mandala design be connected and reflect science, math and world culture?
KEY KNOWLEDGE: You will review and know:
- CYMATICS – Sound is the basis of all form and shape. Matter and energy form into everything from the human form to patterns on wings of birds and insects which is caused by the ionic structure and atoms bonding. When sound can be seen, each frequency and vibration also has its own unique pattern along with color; creating their own “mandala” and or radial design created by that energy. Energy cannot be created or destroyed.
Cymatics with Evan Grant
Navajo Chant - Cymatics Visualized
Cymatics & Resonance Video
How to make a cymatic sounder
How to make a cymatic plate
WHAT IS A MANDALA?
- A mandala is a symbolic diagram, often symbolic of the universe and used in Eastern cultures as an aid to meditation.
- Most mandalas represent love, compassion, unity, balance and peace.
- Sanskrit for circle - The single point at the center of the circle is called the "Bindu."
- YANTRA – Sanskrit for “instrument” is a geometrical diagram meant to inspire inner visualizations & meditation
GAIN INSIGHT TO CULTURE: It is hard to find a culture (past or present) that has not recognized the symbolic qualities and transcendental potentials of the circle and its various geometries. The circle is the first two dimensional archetype, a metaphysical doorway of Oneness.
Use SYMBOLS (and patterns) to communicate ideas.
REVIEW ART ELEMENTS and basic vocabulary of (sacred) geometry – pattern, unity, balance, symmetry, radial design, golden mean, PI, geometric ratios, and geometric figures were often employed in the design of Egyptian, ancient Indian, Greek and Roman architecture. Medieval European cathedrals also incorporated symbolic geometry. Indian and Himalayan spiritual communities often constructed temples and fortifications on design plans of mandala and yantra.
DESIGN PROCESS:
- On large paper trace a circle template and neatly cut out. Recycle extra paper.
- Fold the circle in half, then in quarters, then in eighths. Crease
- Select a design: Words (Positive), Abstact (Shapes and Line), Symbol (Personal)
- Unfold and draw on only one of the "pie slices." At this point check with teacher to make sure design is approved.
- Transfer image to each square by folding paper and tracing image to the next triangle slice using light table or window. Continueprocess until it is a full radial design.
- If necessary due to smudged lines or ripped paper – take design and retrace again without having to fold paper.
- Color according to your needs. Select a color plan. May outline with black or colored sharpie. Blend colors and values with medium of choice.
- Mount on black paper when finished.
SCIENCE CONNECTION: Engineers study the radial balance of birds, insects and other animals (BIO-MIMICRY) to develop aircraft for aerospace technology. Bio mimicry is the examination of Nature, its models, systems, processes, and elements to emulate or take inspiration from an order to solve human problems. As symmetry underlies nature, science and mathematics, many problems can be solved and many issues resolved by the application of principles based on symmetry in engineering and science. Biomimicry is innovation inspired by nature.
How do I know when I am finished?
- Art demonstrates well organized composition, symmetry and blending skills to create form.
- You have been approved by teacher.
MANDALAS LINKS:
History of the Mandala
Asia-Mandala History
Native American Mandalas/Dream Catchers/Symbols/History
Traditional Mandala Symbolism
SACRED GEOMETRY:
Archimedean Solids – Fold Up Patterns
Sacred Geometry