MANDALA MAGNETS

 Mandala Magnets

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Mandala Magnet using ceramic techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), form (cylinder, cone, pyramid), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by New Age Spirituality
• Use sculpture techniques (carving, assemblage, modeling, casting) and design principles (emphasis, contrast, proportion) based on First Century Art
• Define Mandala (geometric symbols representing a search for completeness and self-unity)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Artista Sunstar (2023) Stephen Meakin

2. Read The Mandala Book: Patterns Of The Universe by Lori Cunningham

3. Discussion Questions "What details do you see in this sculpture that makes you curious? What art vocabulary words could you use to describe this mandala? What shapes do you find? What are the predominate colors? How does this new information affect what you see in these mandalas? What more can you find? What would the palace look like? What elements of protection will you use? Who will be in the center of the mandala? In what ways, did the artist demonstrate familiarity with the Himalayan region? What aspects of the mandala did students identity in the discussion? How did you use the symbolism of traditional Buddhist protection to create a personal Mandala? What is a Mandala? Can you think of other dances that take place in a circle? What makes circle dances so compelling?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use circle template to trace shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) of mathematical shapes for mandala designs

2. Add patterns (dots, swirls, stripes) for the positive space (circle) within the mathematical shapes for the mandala designs 

3. Use modeling tools to draw features (motto, symbols, nature, geometric shapes) for the positive space (circle) of the Mandala Magnets

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Mandala Magnets for Assigned Tables 

2. Habundia Seven Wild Flowers (2018) Stephen Meakin

3. Discussion Questions "What do you see? Why do you think the artist did that? How do you think the artist did that? How can you see math used in art? What are mandalas? Where do mandalas come from? Why make a mandala? How did your mandala develop? How did you decide on the shapes, colors, and arrangement of the mandala? How did you use math to create your mandala? Did it help you to familiarize with the concepts?  What do mandalas have in common? Which colors are prominent? Are the designs complex? Where are the Himalayan Mountains? What is the highest peak of the mountains? What images and symbols has the artist used?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) within the positive space (circle) of the mandala designs

2. Add details (symbols, motto, nature) to the positive space (circle) and negative space (background) of the mandala designs 

3. Use modeling tools (tools, brush, grips) to smooth out the negative space (background) of the Mandala Magnets

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Mandala Magnets for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (modeling tools, rollers, ceramic mats)

Lesson Activities 

1. Add color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to the positive space (circle) of the mandala designs 

2. Add color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to the negative space (background) of the mandala designs

3. Apply Gloss Finish to the proportions, features, and accessories of positive space (circle) of the Mandala Magnets

Artist Examples

Student Examples