Research
I found examples of natural and man-made patterns and created some abstractions. I found that many of them had similar movements and shapes.
See full citations list at Abstractions Citations
I also looked up the history of mandalas to get a better understanding of their significance. Below are the links to the websites I found:
I found that they are of great spiritual importance in Buddhism, and represent a joyful/peaceful world. Knowing the background of the mandala gave this project so much more importance.
Exercises
A4 Exercise 1
I used an abstraction from a peppermint candy and a grapefruit for my pattern. I used varying sizes and changed the orientation, which created a sense of rhythm within the pattern. I chose these specific abstractions because of their underlying movement.
Production
I began by creating many iterations and ideas of mandalas. I was focusing on the principle of directional movement with rhythm as my secondary principle.
Iterations
Mandala Abstraction Organization/Grid Design
I experimented with different mandala grids to put my abstractions into. I found a few online as my guides. I also tried different abstractions from a fan, cartoon sun, volleyball, rock, tree, peppermint candy, and grapefruit. View full mandala iterations pdf at Mandala Iterations
View Mandala Grid Inspiration at Mandala Grids
I reviewed one of my mandalas and evaluated it based on different categories. It was very useful in that it determined what was working well and what needed to change.
Color Experimentation
I tested out many different color harmonies using Adobe Color. I tried analogous harmonies, but found I was most drawn to monochromatic and split complementary palettes because the hues seemed to flow into each other and amplified the directional movement.
We uploaded our mandalas to Miro to receive feedback.
After reading my peer reviews, I began to experiment with the white space by adding a background color and an inner circle.
Final Mandalas
In addition to the changes I had already made, I decided to experiment with the direction of my arrows and add another inner circle (shape of peppermint candy). I chose these color harmonies because they added depth and a sense of movement withtheir contrast and gradients. On the split-complementary mandala, I added a gradient to emphasize the rotational movement. I did end up keeping the same abstractions though (tree, fan, cartoon sun, grapefruit, and peppermint candy).
If I were to do anything differently to my mandala, I would add more detailed abstractions and experiment with more complex grids. Overall, this project was a great opportunity to learn more about a different culture and design techniques. I have a much greater and appreciation for color theory as well.
View final portfolio project at Patterning and Abstractions