Mandalas
I’m currently teaching a class called “Art Journey” at the West Hartford Senior Center and, in this class, I have students of all levels and working in a variety of media, working independently on projects of interest. This class has been sort of running itself for several years, often with different instructors, and students expressed an interest in having some direction when I recently took over the class. My idea was to invite students to explore different prompts if they wish, or they can continue to work independently in the supportive group environment they have created. Often students will ask each other for help, feedback, or input on their work, and it’s such a great community! I am extremely grateful to be able to be their current guide. As I thought about projects, I wanted something that would work for people working in all different media - from felting to drawing to painting to collage. For the first project, I introduced the idea of mandalas as inspiration. There are many ways of portraying a mandala, which is an ancient artform that originated as a spiritual symbol and meditation aid in the Buddhist tradition, and which now can be seen throughout the world in all different types of art. When I was looking for ideas, I was inspired by the recent covers of forthcoming publications put out by the organization “The Center for Humans and Nature” https://humansandnature.org/. The publications are called Elementals and they have gorgeous covers featuring mandalas expressing Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and An Elemental Life. Once I saw these beauties, I knew that was my first prompt! Many zen doodlers and yes, quilters, have utilized the mandala in their work as I discovered when I went digging in the library for anything and everything I could find on mandalas. As a librarian, I am nothing if not thorough!
I interpreted the mandala quite loosely in my own work, and it was fascinating to see the different directions my students took it. Some created symmetrical pen drawings that looked like stained glass, others created sea-themed watercolor paintings, and still others created collages and even felted mandalas. My students’ creativity is the best inspiration!!
Some wonderful (library) books I used as sources on mandalas:
Draw Your Own Nature Zendoodles
by Abby Huff, illustrated by Pimlada Phuapradit
Zen Doodling Mandalas by Carolyn Scrace
What I’m watching:
Rick Rubin in conversation with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
What I’m listening to:
What I’m reading:
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (illustrated by Helen Oxenbury)
