-07.jpg)
Yesterday I was out of sorts (otherwise translated as grouchy and grumpy). All the zendalas I created were out of balance. The Red Mandala is not centered on the card and feels slightly skewed to me. The second zendala is called "Off Center Mandala" for obvious reasons. (Although I don't like the red pen I was using, I don't think that had as much of an effect as the fact that emotionally I was feeling "off.")
Today's zendala is much more balanced and harmonious. And that is how I am feeling. I named today's: "Finding My Center (Again)."
Carl Jung believed that mandalas represent the Self and I agree.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I am experimenting with having certain thoughts, people, or emotions in my head (and heart) as I create the zendalas. In my previous post, the third mandala was created for a friend's little girl who just celebrated her first birthday. I framed that mandala as a gift for her.
I am interested to see what kinds of mandalas will emerge as I continue this journey.
--Vicky :o)
What is a zendala? It is a blend of mandala and Zentangle-inspired art. Here are 3 of my latest zendalas.
I love the meditative quality of making this art and the feeling of flow as I go around the designs. Some of them have titles. For example, the one in the middle I call "Candelight Mandala." Some are made with a person, emotion, or other idea in my mind. Most are just emerge from the process of making them.
I am also playing with the idea of borders that go around the edge of the cardstock I use to give them more of a finished look. Though, there is something magical about them floating in the white space that remains. No boundaries--imagined or otherwise. ;o)
--Vicky :o)
3 Zendalas
Ink on cardstock
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione
Two more zentangle-ish explorations. I am trying to get away from drawing "strings" (the shapes in which the "tangles" are made).
The mandala was created from the central flower and is very flower-like throughout.
I really love the second drawing because of the white space through the central part. And I like the black "pearls," too. ;o)
These are so much fun to do. You should give it a try.
--Vicky :o)
Zentangle-inpired mandala
Zentangle-inspired art
Ink on cardstock
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione
The Zentangle® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Zentangle® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com.
--Vicky :o)
2 Zentangle-inspired mandalas
Ink on Zentangle cardstock
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione
I continue to make Zentangle-inspired art almost daily. Here is one I did yesterday that I call the Mandala Maker. As you can see, I added a mandala in the space left by the "string" so that it looks like the mandala is emerging from the artwork. I also love the way the sun is angled and the stars in the moon. The whole piece illustrates how a mandala emerges from the Soul.
Enjoy!
--Vicky :o)
"Source's Wordless Web"
"Your True Self"
Mixed media collage series, #5 and #1
Acrylic paint, paper cutouts, zentangle-inspired mandala, photos on canvas
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione
This Zentangle was done differently than the others I have done. Usually I draw a string (which is basically several lines and curves that form the basis of the Zentangle). In the case of this Zentangle, I just started making tangles (that's what the repeated shapes and lines used to fill in are called) on the blank card.
I don't really have a title for the one on the left (anyone have any ideas?), but the one on the right is called "Spring Morn."
If you purchase a kit, you will receive everything you need to make your own Zentangles, including the square tiles (cards) on which Zentangles are created. Currently, I am not using tiles but 3.3 x 5.2 cards that I bought a couple years ago at a craft store in Montréal.
The Zentangle® company was started by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and they have a specific method for creating a Zentangle. You can find out lots about them, their method, things you can buy, and Zentangle® on their website http://www.zentangle.com/.
And now, the record is straight ---->! ;o)
--Vicky :o)
Original Zentangles
Ink on card stock
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione
Zentangle ®
www.zentangle.com
Because I am big on following rules (limits) exactly (something I really need to work on this year), I got everything ready the night before and got up at 5:07 a.m. on April 15 and started. Now, I didn't quite finish the map precisely at 8:29 a.m. (more like 9:29 a.m.) but I did finish the bulk of it by the deadline. I have posted it here for your perusal and enjoyment. :o)
An interesting thing happened on the way to making this collage. When I awoke on April 15, I was already thinking about the collage. It was during that brief reverie that I actually thought of putting my Treasure Map on a map. So the background is an very used street map of Montréal.
I hung my Treasure Map on the wall over my collage table. I love looking at it and considering what the elements and words might mean for each day and the year. It is the largest collage I have ever made (22 x 28 inches)! The astrologer who recommended this exercise told me later in the day that the reason my collage is so large stems from the fact that the new moon that inspired it is having and will have a "big" effect on my life.
Now isn't that encouraging?!
--Vicky :o)
"Inspired Difference, 2010"
New Moon Treasure Map Collage
Paper cutouts on posterboard
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione
A new mandala that makes me think ofAnd, isn't this the way we live
in The Universe, too?
The Universe is constantly moving,
rotating, and revolving
and we find Life in this
constant motion.
I am reminded of a verse found in the Bible:
"For in him we live, and move, and have our being;"
Acts 17:28
Happy Easter!
Happy Spring!
--Vicky Lynn =:o)
"Life is Blooming Under the Sea" Mandala
Ink (markers) on paper
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione
...anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive
is too small for you.
--David Whyte
This collage is one of a series I am calling "Inspiration for the Journey." Each collage is a blend of painting, collage elements, and a phrase or quote. I chose the background colors to represent a chakra center. While this one uses green to represent the heart chakra, it also is special in that all 7 of the chakras are represented by color. You can see two other members of the series on my blog here and here. Eventually I will be making cards of each of the 5 collages.
I discovered this quote while looking at a blog. An artist had included David Whyte's poem "Sweet Darkness" from his book House of Belonging. The quote on the collage is the final three lines of the poem. When I read those lines, they grabbed me and showed me my own power and greatness (and not in an egotistical way). When I read those lines, I thought of how often I allow others (even those I love) to determine and diminish who I am and what I offer because I am swayed by their opinions! I also thought about how my heart feels when I embrace opinions or situations that are "too small" for me; it feels tight and constricted!
When I think about the quote, I often substitute the word "grow" for the word "bring" in the second line. If someone or something is not growing me alive, why would I waste my time being upset or concerned about their opinions or thoughts about me or my work? Why would I continue to engage in behaviors or thoughts that stunt my growth?
As you finish reading this post, take a moment and consider the question posed as the title of this post: Who or what is too small for you?
--Vicky Lynn :o)
"A Heart Grows Alive"
Mixed media collage
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione
"What's in a name?" Juliet asked.
What's in a title? is my question today.
I conceived your form and shape and color
And there you are,
Looking at me with your one eye,
how?
Wondering? Exploring?
Existing? Wishing
for a name to describe what you mean,
what you say,
"who" you are?
No defining voice whispers inside.
No sound at all
except for the birds
playing their chirps outside.
What's in a title? What's in a name?
Let others who see you decide.
Today,
I will simply enjoy the creation
you are.
--Vicky Lynn :o)
Untitled Mandala
Ink on paper
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione
"TREATING mySelf like A PRECIOUS OBJECT makes me STRONG!"
Dig through layers
of ego's harsh deceit
Uncover a forever worthy Self
silent, strong, and sweet.
--Vicky Lynn :o)
Mixed media collage
Hidden in Winter's plainness,Each year
this holy miracle
overtakes us by surprise,
this brash and lavish explosion
of hues and newness,
song and scent,
as Spring,
dressed up in finery unsurpassed,
arrives!
Fern Collage Mandala
created and color manipulated in Photoshop
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione
What's hers?
Who knew
