Zendala: Symmetrical and Radial Balance
Objective:
We will be learning about balance in art and how you can create a work the exhibits this. Through researching Mandalas we will learn what they are and the purpose they serve. Then we will create our own “Mandalas” in the style of a Zendala that will show symmetrical and radial balance.
Symmetrical Balance:
When elements on both sides of a central vertical line appear to be about equal in shape, weight, value, and color, the design is in symmetrical balance.
Radial Balance:
Occurs when all the elements radiate from a central point. If the focus is at the center, it is also in symmetrical balance.
Mandala: A spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the Universe. The basic form of most mandalas is a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Each gate is in the general shape of a T. Mandalas often exhibit radial balance.
- The term is of Hindu origin. It appears in the Rig Veda as the name of the sections of the work, but is also used in other Indian religions, particularly Buddhism.
- In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.
- In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any plan, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe from an enlightened perspective; i.e., that of the principal deity.
- Mandalas are commonly used by tantric Buddhists as an aid to meditation.
- The mandala is "a support for the meditating person", something to be repeatedly contemplated to the point of saturation, such that the image of the mandala becomes fully internalized in even the minutest detail and can then be summoned and contemplated at will as a clear and vivid visualized image.
- As a meditation on impermanence (a central teaching of Buddhism), after days or weeks of creating the intricate pattern of a sand mandala, the sand is brushed together and placed in a body of running water to spread the blessings of the mandala.
Goal:
Procedure:
Blog:
Upload a picture of your finished Zendala
- Answer:
1) What is Symmetrical Balance?
2) What is Radial Balance?
3) How did you show these types of balance on your Zendala (Describe specific aspects of the design)? Do you think it is successful?
4) What was the most difficult part of the assignment?
Objective:
We will be learning about balance in art and how you can create a work the exhibits this. Through researching Mandalas we will learn what they are and the purpose they serve. Then we will create our own “Mandalas” in the style of a Zendala that will show symmetrical and radial balance.
Symmetrical Balance:
When elements on both sides of a central vertical line appear to be about equal in shape, weight, value, and color, the design is in symmetrical balance.
Radial Balance:
Occurs when all the elements radiate from a central point. If the focus is at the center, it is also in symmetrical balance.
Mandala: A spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the Universe. The basic form of most mandalas is a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Each gate is in the general shape of a T. Mandalas often exhibit radial balance.
- The term is of Hindu origin. It appears in the Rig Veda as the name of the sections of the work, but is also used in other Indian religions, particularly Buddhism.
- In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.
- In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any plan, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe from an enlightened perspective; i.e., that of the principal deity.
- Mandalas are commonly used by tantric Buddhists as an aid to meditation.
- The mandala is "a support for the meditating person", something to be repeatedly contemplated to the point of saturation, such that the image of the mandala becomes fully internalized in even the minutest detail and can then be summoned and contemplated at will as a clear and vivid visualized image.
- As a meditation on impermanence (a central teaching of Buddhism), after days or weeks of creating the intricate pattern of a sand mandala, the sand is brushed together and placed in a body of running water to spread the blessings of the mandala.
Goal:
- Develop a strong understanding of Symmetrical and Radial Balance.
- Design and create a Mandala in the Zendala style.
- Your Mandala should effectively show symmetrical and radial balance.
- Show strong craftsmanship in the development of your design.
- Draw your Mandala on 12x12 paper.
Procedure:
- Learn about Symmetrical Balance, Radial Balance and Mandalas.
- Brainstorm possible images, patterns and shapes for your design. The images can both be abstract or realistic.
- Plan out a Mandala that will flow seamlessly with your images.
- Make a minimum of 3 planning sketches.
- Draw the images in radial and symmetrical balance.
- Start drawing lightly with pencil.
- Use pen and ink to draw over the pencil transfer to complete the drawing.
- Mount your Mandala onto a separate piece of paper or mat board.
Blog:
Upload a picture of your finished Zendala
- Answer:
1) What is Symmetrical Balance?
2) What is Radial Balance?
3) How did you show these types of balance on your Zendala (Describe specific aspects of the design)? Do you think it is successful?
4) What was the most difficult part of the assignment?