Woven Mandalas

Woven Mandalas

2nd Grade

Wow!  A lot went into the creation of these works by second grade artworks including an investigation into mandalas, radial design and weaving.  We began by engaging in a close looking activity with the image below.

Students were shown this image, revealed to them one square at a time, as they noted observations and made guesses about what they were looking at.  Eventually, the photo in its entirety was revealed.  This process allows us to slow down, look for details, support our opinions and see how different our ideas can be when we only have some of the information.  Our thoughts of rugs, castles, and cakes changed as we were provided with more information.

We then discussed sand mandalas, thought about why people might make them, and viewed a time-lapse video of one being created.  It's really amazing to watch if you never have before!

Tibetan monks work together to make these beautifully intricate designs out of colored sand.  This process can be very meditative, providing a chance to slow the mind, and focus on the present.  Students were very surprised to learn that after a mandala is complete, it is swept away!

Mandalas thus can represent life, and the idea that nothing is permanent.  

Students then created their own temporary artworks, collaborating and using radial symmetry.  Each group used random objects to create their own unique creation.

Many artists from different cultures use radial design in their work.

During the next class, students compared and contrasted a traditional sand mandala with a contemporary artwork by Korean artist, Joong Keun Lee.

Some students liked how Joong Jeun Lee incorporated people into his design and also created an optical illusion.   Students then created and painted their own radial designs on cardboard circles. 

Finally, we turned our cardboard circles into looms and created radial weavings.  This process can be very challenging when first learning, but after students got it, many couldn't get enough!  I heard students comment on how relaxing weaving is, and also one exclamation that, "I could do this all day and never get bored."  Our process and art shows that art can make you think, can connect others, can relax you, can challenge you, and can provide accomplishment and beauty.