Research
When first presented with this project to create our own Mandala, I watched several videos to gather more information on the history of Mandalas and their meaning. One video is linked below.
https://www.google.com/urlsa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiYxKjM59f0AhVPWs0KHTI_CXcQtwJ6BAgEEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2F
www.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DWNCFi5ss7ZI&usg=AOvVaw1fs00brrtIo6kwK6JS5EK
To start we had to collect at least 10 images of natural forms. Collect a minimum of 10 human–made mechanisms. Using line drawing techniques and digital applications, analyze each form using proportion/size, direction/line, component/shapes, value. The drawings will be abstractions of your original source images.
Exercises
The first exercise was to select 2 abstractions from your research collection– one natural and one synthetic (human–made). In a single 3”square, draw and combine your abstractions in Illustrator. Repeat this square for a total of 9 times to create 9”X9” patterned grid design. Experiment with rotation of grid squares to enhance and change pattern and movement. This design will be constructed with line and contours, black, white and grey shape/fill. Test and experiment with line weight, value and fill variations.
After playing around with different abstractions, I went with the natural form abstraction of a leaf and the man-made abstraction of the iPhone camera outline. Both abstractions had a organic feel to them. I placed them in my square to create a organic sense. I wanted to keep that feel while creating my larger composition so I focused on arranging the 3×3 squares in positions that created an organic movement.
After creating my pattern, I was able to chose 5 abstractions that I wanted to test in my Mandala.
Iterations
These were my first attempts at creating my Mandala grid. My main design principle was movement in an organic feel like I did in my pattern exercises. After reviewing these grids, I realized that they were too busy. They needed to simplified to just the overall outline grid. However; I took a lot of inspiration from the last iteration when it came to applying my iterations.
These were my second attempts at my Mandala Grid. I simplified my first ones and ended up going with the second grid because it would allow me to use the abstractions to be the focus and create the movement.
Once I had my grid I began to place my five abstractions into the grid by using one of my first attempts at the grid for inspiration.
Once I had a composition I enjoyed a began to add value. As I was adding value, I realized there were parts of my Mandala that would appear stronger if they were changed. I focused on changing the outer swirl abstraction to support the circular movement.
Once I fixed the outer swirls, the center waves seemed a bit cluttered. I wanted to keep the idea of using the leaves to add value in the waves but in a way that wasn’t distracting from the whole composition. I reduced the amount of leaves used and lightened up the line weight. It still gave the same effect but was less cluttered. Finally, I was able to apply value.
After I created a Mandala with value, it was time to add color. I started off my color exploration with making a variety of different color swatches. As I started I made several colored Mandalas, they all seemed to bright and bold for what my intensions were. My principle is movement and I wanted to keep that organic, natural, and light sense.
After the previous iterations, I made new color swatches that were more neutral and less bold but still supported the organic movement.
Production
My final Mandala grid and five iterations.
I then began to add my abstractions into my grid.
Final Value Mandala. Once I created the overall Mandala including the abstractions I added value.
Next I added color. I went with an analogous color scheme and a split complementary. Both supporting the principle of movement.
Final two Mandalas with color application
Portfolio Project
View final project at Mandala Project