The mandala project was the first project of digital media and I learned a lot. I had never used Illustrator so I slowly understood how to use the tablet and what clipping masks did. I really enjoyed how open this project was. We just put lines on the screen and it created art. It took me many trials in order to get the hang of the pen and decide what I wanted to even put on my mandala. But no matter what someone does, the mandala will look cool because the symmetry and format make any scribble interesting. This project was tricky because it was the first one for me, nevertheless, it was really fun and I feel like my skills in Illustrator grew.
My Mandala
Laser Printed Version
Mandala Reveal Build Video
Artist Statement
For our reflection unit, we created mandalas from start to finish. We created templates in many different sizes, configured clipping masks, and actually created the mandala. I think that for the overall production I would change how I actually did the creative process. I think that I should have spent a little more time practicing and gathering inspiration about all the possibilities instead of just diving in with no ideas. I really like how my mandalas turned out though. Also, I think I would time my completion differently with the productions. I spent a lot of time on the BW which gave me less time for the colored so if I spread it out more it would be better.
I really valued the opportunity to creatively express yourself and who you are. Every mandala is super unique and coincides with the specific person who created it so it was super cool to see how everyone else turned out and learn about myself through the process. I also really valued the challenge this project offered me. As a first-year senior I had never used Illustrator before so figuring out how to use the application and create a piece of art was an experience that I had to work hard for but in the end, it turned out very well.
In regards to the Reflections unit and the question of “Who am I” I think I learned that I am a very flexible and calm person. I am able to adapt and change easily and I see that in the essay that I wrote and also my mandala. It is ocean-inspired and I feel like I connect that to myself as it is very steady and also bold and creative. There are many layers and different aspects to myself that I found being showcased in the creation of the mandala and in this unit.