The Mandala Game (Challenge)

[Back2Jake]

I am not sure why I have a taste for the Mandala at the moment, but I simply can't stop researching them. Guess that is what happens when you actually DUST your bookshelves. Giggle.

Anyhow, as I am playing with some designs and went over countless books... I thought this would be a fun project and everyone, even those who claim they "can't draw" can do it.

Draw a mandala, hey, you need a compass or circle template of some sort, and a straight edge and measuring device (to some ... a ruler)

Then CUT your Mandala, in fretwork, intarsia, inlay, segmentation or however you prefer.

Take a photo and show us the results of your circles and lines!


Take care
Toni

[Sawduster]

ummmmmm .......what's a mandala Toni ?
Sorry, guess my redneck is showing

[NC Scroller]

Robert, maybe it is an NC thing because I do not have a clue either. I Googled it and it talked abiout a place in Norway and another in India....

[ozarkhillbilly]

Wikipedia gave me a pretty good idea of what Toni is talking about.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala

Simpley put "Mandala" is from the Sanskrit for circle. A Mandala is a complex circular design, intended to draw the eye inward to its center.

Here is an other a site I found interesting.http://www.artnetwork.com/Mandala/

Sounds like an interesting challange Toni, I just wish I could get out and make some sawdust!

[Dragon]

I thought a madala resembled somewhat a celtic knot.
Diane

[MikeDingas]

Google images and you'll see what Toni is refering to...

[Back2Jake]

Oh crap. Guess I should have said what a Mandala was ... so sorry folks. Probably best Sue Chrestensen explain it since I got the giggles trying to think of the words....

For example, my daughter just asked me (after reading this) What is a Mandala Mom? My answer ... it's a circle thing dear, with some arcs and lines, and plays with depth perception.... LOL. In some ways I am pleased with my answer, it is as vague as the ones I get from the teen herself somedays. I mean REALLY, honest... somedays I haven't a clue what language SHE speaks... now she thinks I am more weird than she did this morning. Giggle.

Take care
Toni

[Sue Chrestensen]

good that you asked..Toni makes up names (as we all know from what we call our patterns LMAO)

for our purposes here, lets' ignor the spiritual ramifications of lines intersecting circles pulling your focus to the center or core LOL and just say grab a ruler and a plate,(or a compass if you have one) draw some intersecting lines and curves..play with the visual impact of what you're drawing..tweek it a bit, erase some lines, keep it somewhat geometric LOL..and when you like what you've drawn ..cut it..sand it if you want, paint or stain or simply finish the piece and voila..a mandala of your own will have emerged..simple huh??

[PuzzledMoose]

Here is an other a site I found interesting.http://www.artnetwork.com/Mandala/

Just looked at that site, Bill. Aargh all that work and a couple of days later it's all swept up!

[Dragon]

That sand mandala should occupy my time until my saw comes in....
Diane

[BobD (Archive)]

I had the opportunity to watch a few Buddhist monks assemble a mandala while I was in college...as wonderful as the photos are, they don't come close to the sheer awe inspired by seeing one live.

Bob

[PuzzledMoose]

That sand mandala should occupy my time until my saw comes in....
Diane

Just make sure you post the pic before the next high wind ....

[PuzzledMoose]

I had the opportunity to watch a few Buddhist monks assemble a mandala while I was in college...as wonderful as the photos are, they don't come close to the sheer awe inspired by seeing one live.

Bob

On a similar line, and dragging this thread even more off topic have you seen this, Bob?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangoli

Put simply it's Hindu foorpainting with powdered chalk - I've seen Hindus in India putting incredible designs on their front doorsteps in the morning and then walk on them -!!!!

Interesting quote in that Wikipedia entry though "Like Hindu and Buddhist Mandalas, the reason for using powder or sand as a medium for creating Rangoli (and its resulting fragility) is sometimes thought to be a metaphor for the impermanence of life"

There you go - got it back on topic just about ..