In Digital Media, we were tasked with creating a digital mandala using Adobe Illustrator. Setting up the mandala involved many complicated techniques to create a mirroring effect within each equal section of the mandala circle. However once the mandala was set up, it was extremely relaxing and meditative to doodle using the Wacom tablet and create hypnotizing images. It was really fun to personalize the mandala and add designs that have hidden meanings.
As I designed my mandala, I began to take inspiration from flower petals and other elements of nature. The best part of the mandala project was getting to see everyone else’s mandalas in Freestyle! Each person’s was so unique and they were reflective of that person’s personality. Some people’s were humorous, some delicate, and some elaborate. I felt closer to each of my classmates by examining their mandala.
My Mandala (Black & White and Color)
If the images do not display below,
On a Mac, press Command + (plus) then press press Command – (minus)
On a PC, press the Cntrl + (plus) then press the Cntrl – (minus)
Laser Engraved Mandala
Mandala Reveal Build Video
My Artist Statement
Creating this mandala, I learned a lot about myself and what I value. I found myself drawn to creating sun rays themed imagery because I appreciate spending time in nature. My vision for my black and white mandala draws inspiration from the shape of solar rays and flower petals. They are majestical in the way they reach out and touch lives around them, and their beauty is something I wanted to emulate. I expanded on this idea in my colored mandala, where I featured more sun rays and highlighted the sun setting on the ocean, which is one of my favorite things. The sun provides us with the means to stay alive and live a fulfilling life, and I loved using it as inspiration for my art.
I valued the opportunity to create a mandala because we could make anything we wanted in our design. Such an opportunity allowed me to think outside the box and create something utterly unique to me. The project was also a perfect opportunity to practice my Illustrator skills and learn how to use the Wacom tablet to draw. If I were to change something about my Mandala designs, I would add more realistic drawings to my design. I loved seeing my classmates feature animals, food, and objects in their design, and I would like to try that myself. I would also like to create a design in the center of my mandala that does not reflect. A centerpiece like this makes a focal point and adds to the theming of the mandalas in a really cool way.