Sand Mandala and Deconstruction

This evening for the last class of the Create Mandalas for Personal Expression and Awareness which I taught at The Evergreen State College, I brought colored sand. We talked about the Tibetan Sand Mandalas and how the Native American Indians create sand mandalas. Then we let loose ourselves.

I watched as different techniques were invented; from paper tubes such as decorating cakes to dispersing sand from the palm of your hand. Of course every mandala was unique.

The mandalas were created on a large, thin piece of cardboard. After we discussed our mandalas and found the significance in our lives, one of the students began to tap the edges of the cardboard and the mandala transformed. We all tried this technique and were fascinated with the process.

I know that the idea behind sand mandalas is an exercise in impertinence, but I did bring my camera. We were so intrigued with the transformations that I documented them. Here is my sand mandala and its deconstruction.

What FUN!

Finished Painting?

Last evening one of my students who was introduced to painting in the Discover the Artist Within class at The Evergreen State College asked,

"How do you know when a painting is finished."

GOOD QUESTION! One which challenges me on a regular basis.

Then she asked, "Can't you ruin a painting by over working it?"

AFFIRMATIVE!

In my attempt to answer, I realized these questions are probably at the heart of every painter. The fact is there is no set rule....it really is hit or miss.

When I believe a painting is finished, I place it in a prominent spot in my house where I will walk by it often before I decide it is truly done. I also photograph the painting for my website and see it from another perspective. I might make changes, then again, I might not.

Here is my latest, I believe finished, watercolor painting.

How do you feel?

Mandala Class

A small group of students signed up for the Mandala Class I teach at The Evergreen State College extended education program. Actually, small classes are fun and more intimate.

The other evening I brought the medium of craypas to explore and had the students create a mandala for an hour and fifteen minutes. They were amazed by the meditative quality of the process of creating a mandala. The students were open and able to gain insights into their art and their process.

"This is fun!" rang in unison when the class ended.

Usually I do not create art myself when I teach class as my tendency is to go off into my own creative world and neglect others. Feeling the desire to create a mandala, I asked the student's permission to join them.

I found myself enjoying the flowing shapes and tried to reframe from a blossom flower type image that appeared, but then I gave in to it. I have not decided if it is above ground growing or in water..........what is your feeling?



Growing