Mosaic Mandalas- My Current Obsession

I have enjoyed creating several mandalas over the last year and a half as well as teaching classes so that others could create and enjoy them also. I love the circle form, the symmetrical nature, and of course how I get to play with color.

I did a little research on mandalas and found the following two explanations meaningful and worthwhile reading. 

From the website http://www.whats-your-sign.com/meaning-of-mandala.html

The word “mandala” is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit.  Loosely translated to mean “circle”, a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself- a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds.

Describing both material and non-material realities, the mandala appears in all aspects of life: the celestial circles we call earth, sun, and moon, as well as conceptual circles of friends, family and community.

And from  http://www.mandalaproject.org/What/Main.html

Even though it may be dominated by squares or triangles, a mandala has a concentric structure. Mandalas offer balancing visual elements, symbolizing unity and harmony. The goal of the mandala is to serve as a tool on our spiritual journey as it symbolizes cosmic and psychic order.

Mandalas have been used by lots of cultures. From Buddhism to Hinduism, Aboriginal to Hopi…even ancient alchemy – to be sure, mandalas have served mankind for centuries. The famed Swiss psychiatrist, Dr. Carl Jung, employed the mandala in his work with clients. He felt when concentrated upon deeper human consciousness became elevated to an extent the conscious was able to receive revelation about the true potential and wholeness of the self.

Here are just a few examples of my student’s mandalas. Enjoy!

Mariann Keenan

 

Leslie Meehan

Fran Senchek

Pam Jara

Karen Okun

Jackie Chagala