Mandala Craze

Do you know what a mandala is? I'm doing a school wide Art fundraiser at my kids school and I chose to do mandalas. It is a lot of fun and I have been inspired to create some of my own as well. If you don't know what a mandala is (you can Google it and get lots of info), a general description would be "The word 'mandala' is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to mean "circle," a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds.
Describing both material and non-material realities, the mandala appears in all aspects of life: the celestial circles we call earth, sun, and moon, as well as conceptual circles of friends, family, and community."

Anyway, I find it fascinating to view all different types of mandals. Some are quite beautiful and really touch the soul. Some are basically geometric designs, some have a meaningful center circle depicting an important belief or like with patterns complimenting the center on the outside circle, some are abstract art, etc. I, of course, love art so any type of art appeals to me.

Here is an example:

I'm curious, what does this design inspire in you? What do you see? Would it have more meaning with color? Why is it named "Flying Skew"? Is there any symmetry? Is it just the product of a deranged mind?

On another note, I've been finding myself sketching again in places I probably shouldn't - like sacrament meeting. I did the following recently of Jacob as he slept in the car seat and really I was listening to the speakers as I sketched, I promise! :)

I'm going to try and make a mandala out of that. What is more important than my kids? Okay maybe a few I can think of, but they are definately on the top of my list besides God- oh and my husband too. :) Sorry Doug. Love you!