The less there is to look at, the more important it is that we look at it closely and carefully. This is critical to abstract art. Small difference make all the difference.
Kirk Varnedoe
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| Doodling |
Kirk Varnedoe
Each person's life is like a mandala - a vast, limitless circle. We stand in the center of our circle, and everything we see, hear and think forms the mandala of our life.
Pema Chodron
Mandala is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates to mean
“circle” or “center.”
We often associate the word mandala with the circular designs
that have repeating colors, shapes, and patterns radiating from the center.
Mandalas can be precise, carefully measured, geometric, and perfectly
symmetrical, or in contrast, free flowing, organic, and asymmetrical.
Mandalas are often drawn in circles but they can also be drawn in squares.
Intricate geometric compositions created on a base of a circle,
known as mandalas, have a deep spiritual meaning in Hinduism and Buddhism. They
represent the whole of the universe, and they can be used as an exercise or for
meditation.
I read somewhere that drawing Mandalas (basically, geometric
patterned shapes/designs) could be a good way of coping with stress and
anxiety. Having a bit of a creative bent, I thought I’d give it a try. A little
art therapy is good for anybody, right? So I did checked some designs on the
Internet and took to doodling mandalas most often when I was watching T.V or
doing some other mindless task that had me sitting down.
Initially it looked very difficult to create this art, but
once I sat to create it, found it very interesting and intriguing.
I
had mixed results with this activity. On one hand, I think it can be useful to
get your mind off things because you’re focused on creating your pattern. It
gives you something neutral to concentrate on. This is handy if you’re feeling
a bit anxious! Relieves stress, one can go on and on meditatively. On the other hand, I’m not sure it’s a
great task as after creating 2-3 Mandalas I realised that I am creating almost
the same types of Mandala over and again with little variation. But realised I
need to try more variations, types, styles colouring etc. Colouring is also pretty popular these days
as a way of dealing with stress and anxiety; maybe I should target that for
next time.
Most
important thing is not to finish the task but to enjoy while creating it. But
those who enjoy it go into meditative state of mind.
One
can download Mandala Templates and can colour them. Sharing with you some
beautiful sites / blogs from where you can download the templates.
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| Mandala - 1st |
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| Mandala - 2nd |
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Mandala - 3rd
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Navratri, Durga puja and Diwali, major festivals
of Hindus are over for the year. Festivals across the world marks oneness,
gatherings, celebrations, food, fun and frolic with family and friends. Festivals
bring everyone together.
Now days in India too people have started celebrating Halloween, which is basically a western concept and mostly fall near Diwali date which is on 31 October.
Had organised a Desk decoration competition & Rangoli competition in office.
I had a ball of time with family and friends & Colleagues during Diwali and hope you did too. Sharing with you the decorations and the lovely moments I had during Diwali in office and at home
I had a ball of time with family and friends & Colleagues during Diwali and hope you did too. Sharing with you the decorations and the lovely moments I had during Diwali in office and at home
Deacoration at Home
Desk Decoration in office
Rangoli at Home & Office
Images : Personal Album
Two
years back in 2014 my company had a massive recruitment drive for hiring almost
200 Management Graduates. So in the process have visited quite a few places in
the country for the Campus Recruitment.
One
of the campuses we visited was Pondicherry University. We drove down from
Chennai and reached the campus by 10.00 am. The Students were waiting for us.
Wasting no time we started with the Interviewing process. It took us some time
to interview 35-40 students. Once the process was finished we plan to leave the
campus immediately. The placement co-ordinator insisted a lot to have lunch
with them but we left the Campus as soon as the Interviewing process was completed.
We directly headed towards Auroville.
Auroville means 'the city of the dawn' and was founded in 1968 by a French lady Mirra Alfassa who was called ‘The Mother’ and was the successor to Shri Aurobindo, a well- known spiritual leader. The town was
founded by her with the aim of creating a place which was a symbol of human
unity.
Auroville is meant to be a
universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace
and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities.
The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity.
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| 12 gardens of Auroville |
The Visitor Centre in Auroville remains open from 9 am- 5:30 pm and
we were lucky enough to attend the detailed video tutorial of what Auroville is
all about.
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| Sample Plan of Matrimandir at the Visitor's Centre |
The Matrimandir is not easily accessible and one need to
make a booking in advance (around 2 days), in order to visit the Matrimandir.
So since we have not made any bookings we thought of having a look from outside.
We had to walk from the Visitor Centre to the Matrimandir. It is a
pleasant 1km walk from the visitor's centre, along wooded paths and past an
astonishing banyan tree. Once we started walking we found that the
place is full of calmness and serenity.
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| The Banyan Tree on the way to Matrimandir |
Once we reached the Matrimandir we
were mesmerised by the dome shaped golden structure. The Matrimandir is a giant golden globe at the centre of the town,
surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns and trees. Going to Matrimandir would
definitely refresh your body and soul.
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| Matrimandir |
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| Matrimandir |
After coming from Matrimandir we explored the
area of Auroville. Here you will find things crafted by the inhabitants of the
township such as clothing, candles, incense, pottery, home textiles
etc. I picked up some incense and scented candles. We had a quick bite of Mufffins and the Masala Chai
in the Café.
Overall had a lovely time at Auroville.
Now since I have decided to keep updating my blog on regular intervals, I have started working on getting my hands on Sketch Pad. Started off with Zentangle. Came out with this Zentangle Butterfly. Loved doing it.
Posting this post nearly after 2 and half years. Was busy with my little one who have turned 3 years last month. So was almost on a break. Not that I did not do anything. To be honest yes, did not do much on art and craft. Made a painting on canvas, which was spoiled by my little one while I was giving a finishing touch. She wanted to paint on the same canvas while I was away to attend a phone call and when I come back and to my surprise the canvas was filled with all different colors. So BOOOOOOM...... it goes. So decided that will not leave my painting book anywhere here and there.....
Completed this painting some days back. Almost took 2 months to complete. Used to do when the little one is off to sleep which is always after 11.30 PM - 12.00 and then you are so tired to do anything. Better late then never.
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| Matsya |
So I will try to be regular with my postings. Lets see how regular. :-)
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Got a recycling bin full of glass bottles. Why waste them when you could have a new table lamp.
Turning any rum bottle into a table lamp is very simple. All
you need to do is outline black liners in zig zag fashion and use glass colour for filling.
Insert strand of light. The color of the bottle enhances the
glow of the light, adding ambiance to a room.
Album : Personal Images
This painting was inspired by Trishla Jain. I have attended her exhibition in Mumbai in February 2012. Her art is very colourful & vibrant. Loved every bit of the exhibition. While I was browsing thru her art work along with my friend we came across many celebrities. Among them were Neeta Ambani, Sunil Shetty, Akshay Kumar.
This is my original work inspired by Trishla. I have named this painting as Seven Sins. All the seven sins are mentioned in painting. Do check out....
Do give me feedback.
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