What is a mandala?
Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning sacred or magical circle. I first learned about mandalas in a dream study class I took for the art therapy curriculum. Psychologist Carl Jung began to draw circles and designs and realized that they somehow corresponded to his inner state, emotions, impressions and thoughts. After examining the subject a bit with his own drawings, as well as those of his patients, he came to the conclusion that these circular drawings are therapeutic to draw first and then look at. Jung finally concluded that the Self, which is the integrity of the personality, is reflected in the mandala. He felt that a mandala that someone spontaneously drew at any given moment was a gentle reminder or an urge to live out that person’s potential; this was what he called one’s whole personality and called individuation.
How Do I Create Mandala Image?
When I am in a dilemma or need to get in touch with myself, I create a mandala. I created my first mandala as a project for the dream working class in 1989 and have been doing it ever since. Some days I prefer listening to music while making mandalas, and some days I prefer silence and bird sounds or the wind outside my window. In the process of creating a mandala, I see a naturally occurring meditative state.
ONE: I draw a large circle on half a sheet of watercolor paper.
SECOND: I sit quietly and wait for inspiration.
THIRD: I start from the center where the core of the psychology talk is the essence of the Self. I chose a color and let my brush, water, and pigment run across the paper. The expansion begins. Color choices are immediate, and so are shapes, lines, and forms. Sometimes I take out what appears symbolically or simply enjoy spontaneity and absolute freedom.
I learned from an early age that people like your art when it resembles or represents life. I’ve been dealing with this phenomenon for years. When I started creating mandalas, it gave me the freedom to create whatever came up and not have to please anyone. It looks very friendly. I realized that these mandalas reflect me more deeply. Sometimes I question whether I should display my mandala images along with my other images. An artist colleague told me that if I don’t display my mandalas with my other paintings, it’s like throwing the baby out with the bath water.
YOU CAN ALSO CREATE A MANDALA
Did I hear you say you don’t have a creative bone in your body?
It’s time to set yourself free. Tap into your creativity and artistic expression. Yes there! Trust the process and give yourself the freedom to let the flow flow for the magic to happen. Watercolors are fun, but not the only medium. Choose what appeals to you or use any art material at your fingertips while you’re at the art store. Allow at least one hour of uninterrupted time. For the “art critic in your head”, don’t forget to take a vacation away from you. Create now! And most importantly, ENJOY!
“Artistic expression lies within all of us and only requires a sense of trust and the freedom to let the magic happen.”
Joanne Osband
