This blog is for our second art project. We had to make a mandala, which is an art thing that Tibettian monks make with sand while chanting. They are a circular shape, with a lot of different designs. Ours had fairly simple designs, including animals, elements, things we like, etc. The monks make symbols, but nothing specific like an animal. We made the mandalas representing ourselves, our passions, etc.
You can't really see much of the individual circles, but the center circle is a star, with smaller stars and nebulae (the purple clouds) in the background. Space is one of my passions, but it also describes me, showing wonder and curiosity (Or, at least, I think it does).
The second circle had water and the sky with clouds. Water is ever-flowing, and so is my mind. I'm always thinking about something, and my thoughts tend to drift off to unrelated subjects, like clouds being carried by the wind.
The third circle, though it's very hard to tell, has black-and-white ferrets running in a circle, with stained glass behind them. But one of the ferrets is colored in and running the other way, shattering the intricate and binding glass. That would be me. Going against the flow, and stiving to be different. (Take today for example: It's Mardi Gras, so my sister and I came to school wearing jester hats and beads and other things with Mardi Gras colors. .:For info on what Mardi Gras is, see the bottom of this blog:.) I chose ferrets because they are curious, smart, (yes, they really are, and so am I) fun-loving, and cute. (I'm not saying I'm cute, but I like cute animals.)
The next circle is just a pattern, colored with many colors, because I can have different emotions at one time, but I keep them to myself, making a puzzle of feelings inside my head. (This is normal for my personality type. So don't be too concerned.)
And the final circle before the brown border is pretty much just something to add intricate design. But, I put hearts in there, (They're REEEEEEALLY small, so you can't see them) because I'm a very loving person. And also cerry blossoms because they're pretty, and they blow through the wind. That represents me because I move a lot. Specifically, about every three years.
Physical response:
· Include a quick sketch/photo of your work. Above my explanation. ^^^^^^^^
· Explain the process of creating the art work. Literally how you did your art work.
We drew circles on paper, going out from the center circle. (like a target) And I made designs using symbols to go in each circle, Using markers and colored pencils, not sand like the monks.
· Did you learn a skill?
Patience and spontanianity. Wait... I already knew those...
Emotional Response:
· How did you feel while you were working on this assignment?
Quite content, really.
· Did you feel you were a problem solver at any level?
I solved my problem of being bored: I brought my MP3 Player. Just kidding. I wasn't bored working on the mandala, because I could use actual objects, not abstract symbols.
· Did you feel that it increased your observation?
Yes. I worked much more attentively and cared more about the product.
· Did you further develop your ideas?
Yea. The circle with the ferrets was changed to add in the stained-glass windows.
· Were you satisfied with the final results?
Yup!
Self Assessment and reflection:
· What did you learn doing this assignment?
Why is this question asked twice?
· Are you able to make connections/analogy with other subjects or real life situations? The big picture connections.
Duh. The Tibettian monks make mandalas.
PS: My art teacher wanted this to be a 'fun' post, so she asked us to include links to other websites about mandalas and such, so here:
Mandala info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala
Pics of mandalas: http://mandalas.freehosting.net/
Mardi Gras : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans_Mardi_Gras
