COLOR &
CONTEMPORARY CONTEXT
MODERN DAY MANDALA.
Mandala is a circular design free of dimensions. They are traditional made in Hinduism and Buddhism religion as a symbol for spirituality and used in rituals. They are usually make with colored sand that fills in designs within the circle. Mandalas are an aid for meditation. The process takes the creator through the jounrey to reflect and just be or breathe. Mandalas took a long time to create and could last all day or weeks.
Photo 1. Crochet Mandala show all different designs in a modern take of the traditional mandala.
Photo 2. Buddhist mandalas are made in groups of monks. They all work together to complete the process.
Photo 3. Large festivels in Hindu culture show the scale that mandalas are made.
Photo 4. Closer to Western culutre, Native Americans make mandalas as well seen in the Navajo sandpainting.
Photo 5. More modern culture, Amish communities use circular looms to create large circle rugs.
Photo 6. The Hula Hoop loom is a simple way to create a circluar weave.
Pantone View article on Home Sweet Home shows the Swedish folklore of colors. Pink is the primary color in Swedish tradition and is the common thread in all design works whether artistic or home decor.
The above color scheme has warm colors paired with a high contrast in saturation of the cool green color. Green is complementary with the dark shade of pink. There is a different range of shades with the pinks.
The Modern Day Mandala is a interpretation of the traditional mandalas. The process of the mandala was the main focus on the project; being a part of the experience. Kids learn from their environment and are guided through the experience of their parents.
Tony and Stella became part of the process each in their own way. Tony would take the strips of fabric and place them on top of the spokes and Stella was just curious about the fabric and how the fabric felt in her hands.
The Hula Hoop Rag Rug took 12 yards of fabric and 10 hours of weaving. Most of the time the process was done on the floor, which I was able to stretch my legs out and used alot of arm strength. I noticed my arms becoming tired after long periods of weaving with no rest.
I also sat on the edge of the couch and placed the hula hoop on my feet which I realised that I was using my feet to move the hula hoop around causing blisters on the top of my feet.
The finished rug has the maximalist style of the Swedish tradition. The colors in the rug creates a texture and pattern of its own. The quilted blanket and cloth holder (made by myself) hanging on the crib shows a contrast in colors and print like the Swedish style. The rug can be used as a decorative wall piece or a functional floor cover.
