Blog

(posted on 29 Mar 2014)

Here was the description:

Event Type: Adult Program
Age Group(s): Adults
Date: 3/29/2014
Start Time: 1:00 PM
End Time: 3:00 PM

Description:

Mandalas are ancient symbols that use principles of geometry and symmetry to focus attention. Create your personal mandala with art instructor Ellen Miffitt using paper and embellishments. All basic materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring mementos such as photos, badges, ribbons and other keepsakes. Miffitt is an Olympia-based artist with over 40 years' experience. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lacey Timberland Library.

and my longer info for the flyer included:

The word “mandala” is a Sanskrit word that is over 2300 years old translated as “circle” or “sacred center”. Circular patterns have been used throughout time in many cultures, including the Tibetan and Native American, as tools for centering and healing. The psychoanalyst Carl Jung saw the mandala as "a representation of the unconscious self." Using principles of geometry and symmetry present in nature, along with your own personal creativity, you will come away with a design that represents yourself. Your mandalas may contain radial symmetry with 2 to 12 sections radiating from the center or have an asymmetrical design.This should be a time to let go, to play with color and design, and to have fun.

I wa so excited with with the participants designs. This is a series of a design's progress. 1

finished

I ran around and tried to snap some quick photos between helping folks with their design questions so many images are a little wonky

this person was going to finish at home...

I suggested trimming the white edge, adding an outline in gold and then mounting the piece on a mat board putting foam core under it to raise it up.

I wish I had time to take a finished photo of this one. Very inventive use of design elements.

this was so "sunny" bright. thinking about the upcoming gardening season.

this person wrote and wrote filling the mandala shape [stream of conscious writing]. Then added all those curving shapes in green and then in pink. It looked like a flower when he was finished.

I had purchased a bag of wrapping paper which was enjoyed by many. In the center, she placed a photo of a bird nest. She had a great quote that she was going to write onto the photo along with a small bird painting the size of a quarter to balance the design.

lovely focal point... other circles were added and the artist was going to use line work once the design was complete.

Then to my surprise one participant at the end came up and said I have a gift for you...

her friend casts these sculptures and she paints them but they're only to be given as a gift. I was so surprised at such a lovely and thoughtful thank you for teaching a workshop.

Keep arting,