Project Description:
Throughout the works of this project, we will be able to use a range of principles, and elements to explore and develop patterns through analysis of natural and man-made forms. Without direct representation, we will develop abstract patterns that relate to both natural and man-made shapes and structures, by focusing on elements such as line, shape, texture, rhythm, movement, scale, etc. Through observation, evaluation, and testing relationships of natural and mechanical forms, we’ll be able to show and organize the development of our iterations into mandala form.
Process:
Inspirations & Iterations
In the first step of our process to developing a mandala, we were to find 20 different images of patterns. 10 of the images were patterns we found in natural objects, and the other 10 images were to be of patterns found in human-made objects. Once we found our 20 different images, we were to create iterations exploring different aspects of textures, shapes, lines, spacing, etc.
When finding images of patterns, I found that I was drawn to elements of lines, and symmetry. I enjoyed most the patterns of flowers, and with aesthetic line work.
In all honesty, I struggled the most with the man-made iterations from the very start. From the moment the assignment was assigned, I would constantly keep on my radar objects that were man-made, and try to find patterns from them. I found it super difficult to find patterns within objects, however, working through this challenge however helped me become more creative with pattern-finding.
A Closer Look To My Favorite Patterns
In the first column, I explored different ways to communicate the pattern of the wood object I found on google docs. When exploring ways to visualize the pattern, I first started off by taking an idea from one of the first few iterations inspired by the design to grow new ideas off of it. By the third row down I reevaluate the ideas I was trying to express, and decided to test out a different way of translating it into a pattern to be used within a petal.
In the second column, I originally began exploring a way to convey the pattern inspired by tie-dye. By the fifth row down I started to recognize an eye pattern and rerouted my thought process to explore different ways to visualize the idea.
In the third column, I explored different aspects of the crown. I was very intrigued by the curves and created began exploring ways on how I could incorporate the hearts and curves into a petal for my man-made inspired mandala.
In the first column of my nature-inspired petal iterations, I took inspiration from the octopus idea and continue to explore different ways to get the effect of viewing tentacles. I played around with the value and line weight to create many different options.
The second column was the start of different ways of exploring the hexagon pattern I found within the wood of a tree. I didn’t like the idea of it at all, so I didn’t bother exploring it more than 3 iterations.
The third column was different explorations of the leaf pattern. I mostly played around with the different line work, along with changing up the shape design slightly for each iteration.
Although I chose not to include much inspiration from the fourth column, I still enjoyed finding unique ways of translating a mushroom into an indirect pattern. I created ideas from this exploration that I would use as inspiration in the petal development in the fifth column.
The fifth column included a combination of all flowers used in my iterations. I also took inspiration from other designs to develop a concept of value, shade, and shape.
In one of the last stages of developing the mandala, we created grids to help with guidelines for placing our petals. I created three different but similar ways to help create mandalas with symmetry. When practicing placing petal iterations on the grid, I didn’t enjoy using the first grid.
I played around combining different nature-inspired petal iterations together on this grid. As I checked in on the design by creating multiple more petals to fill the inner circular shape, I analyzed the drawing and felt like it would be better if explored as an analog version.
Final Compositions:
When composing this final design I took previous ideas and iterations and combined them. I mostly found the best quality from each iteration concept to combine them all together.
In a design aspect, this mandala mostly incorporates inspiration from an octopus. The most inner part of the design includes a combination of iterations focusing on ocean life. When working on the petals I grew from the original concept by incorporating inspiration from bubbles, fish scales, sea urchins etc.
As your eyes move from the inner part of the design, and work outwards, it follows the natural flowing lines to observe more of a transitional mandala design. The next part includes petals that were ultimately inspired by flowers, and plants. The design’s most outer shape incorporates the inspiration of tentacles. This final touch to the design adds confusion, and allows for viewers to think, and analyze the design further.
Similarly to my man-made inspired design, this one also gives an overall unique viewing experience. When first viewing the design one may be overwhelmed by the bold tentacles design. However, when closely observing the design, and allowing yourself to naturally follow the lines, they’ll notice the organic matter.
In this design, man-made objects were used as inspiration to create a mandala. I focused on creating this mandala to be as original as possible, by finding odd objects that have a unique and distinguishable pattern to them. Some objects used for inspiration include the design within a crown or a tiara, the exterior to Epcot’s building, halloween candy, and an engraved wood board. Through iterations, I found a way to place them all together to create a unified use of space.
In the inner part of the mandala, the inspiration from a tiara is placed. The shapes of diamonds, trimming, and swirls are working together to create this magical feeling. As you move slightly out, the use of shaded diamonds are used to create a transition from lighthearted energy, to an erie one. The boldness of the inspired arrows and T, working together with eyeball design creates a unique feeling when viewing the mandala as a whole.