Showing posts with label mandala. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mandala. Show all posts

Saturday, July 31, 2010

The Circle and The Self

Mandala is Sanskrit for circle. In my current paintings I'm using a circle within a square to represent the circular passage of time anchored by the four cardinal directions, time circling in space. Carl G. Jung said the circle represents the unconscious self. He said, "It became increasingly plain to me that the mandala is the center. It is the exponent of all paths. It is the path to the center, to individuation.... I knew that in finding the mandala as an expression of the self I had attained what was for me the ultimate."



Tibetan mandalas have coded teachings and prayers embedded in their intricate designs. This White Tara mandala is used in initiations and to look upon it is considered a blessing.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Pilgrim's Progress

My New Little Painting

After a period of not painting at all I have just completed a small painting. It is oil on a deep cradled board and relates to my interest in mandalas, American pilgrims, my own protestant heritage and the four cardinal directions.