The document provides an introduction to creating mandala art using printmaking techniques. It defines a mandala as a geometric pattern with radial symmetry working outward from a central point. Both Buddhist monks and Native American cultures create mandalas as symbolic, impermanent art forms. The learning goals are to create a two-color radial design using relief printmaking techniques involving line, shape, space and texture. Specific printmaking methods like those used for Tibetan mandalas and Navajo sand paintings are discussed.

1. Oh! What a RELIEF!!
An introduction to printmaking and the art of
Mandala (circle) art.

2. Learning Goals
We will be
creating a radial
symmetry
composition that
uses line, shape,
space and
texture.
The composition
will be created
using traditional
printmaking
techniques.
We will create a
two-color radial
design using
reductive (to take
away) relief
printmaking.

3. What is a mandala?
A mandala is a repetitive
geometric pattern which begins at
a central dot and works outward.
“Mandala” is loosely translated
into “circle.”
Mandalas are symbolic in many
cultures and often symbolize
wholeness and unity.

4. Both Native Americans and Buddhist
Monks create mandalas
Buddhist Monks
In Tibet, it is used a spiritual
practice, using crushed
semiprecious stones to create
intricate designs.
Mandalas require many hours
and days to complete, and
must be perfectly recreated.
When completed, the monks
gather in a colorful ceremony,
sweeping the mandala into a
nearby body of water. The
design is impermanent.
This action symbolizes the
cycle of life.

5. Navajo Sand Paintings
Navajo Indians also
create impermanent
sand paintings used in
spiritual rituals.
The ritual may last
from five to nine days,
and range in size from
three to fifteen feet or
more.

6. What is similar about these
designs? Lines? Shapes?
Rotation? http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/02/a-
mandala-in-minutes/

7. Mandalas
have
radial
symmetry
.
Radial
symmetry
is created
when
balance is
created
from a
central

8. What is Printmaking?

9. What is a PRINT??
From the MOMA Site:
“A print is a work of art made up of ink on paper and
existing in multiple copies.
It is creates not by drawing directly on the paper, but
through an indirect transfer process.
The artist begins by creating a
composition on another
surface.
The transfer occurs when a sheet of paper, placed in
contact with this surface is run through a printing
press.

10. What is a PRINT???

11. Let’s Break It Down:
“A print is a work of art made
up of ink on paper and
existing in multiple copies.
What do “multiple copies”
mean?

12. What are some things you can
think of that are made as
“multiple copies?”

13. What kind of prints
do YOU make??

14. (hint)

15. Let’s Break It Down:
The artist
begins by
creating a
composition on
another surface.
(a linoleum block,
wood, plastic,
glass, etc…)

16. Let’s Break It Down:
The transfer
occurs when
a sheet of
paper, placed
in contact with
this surface is
run through a
printing press.

17. Drive By
Press
https://www.youtube.com/wat
ch?v=gBr3WG8txQk

19. Begin in the center of the circle, repeating a
pattern around the central axis.
How to draw a Mandala.

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