Radial Radial DesignDesign

&&SymmetrSymmetr

yy

Symmetry is where one part of an Symmetry is where one part of an image is balanced or mirrored by the image is balanced or mirrored by the other side.other side.

Lots of shapes are Lots of shapes are symmetrical…symmetrical…

HexagonHexagon Isosceles Triangle

TrapezoidCircle

Rectangle

radialradial, , radiateradiate, and, and radial balance radial balance - - Radial means anything of, relating to, Radial means anything of, relating to, or arranged like or arranged like rays..

RADIAL SYMMETRY

Some objects have more Some objects have more than one line of symmetry…than one line of symmetry…

These flowers have rotational symmetry, too! This means, that you can rotate or turn them, and they will still look the same.

Nature contains an Nature contains an abundance of radial abundance of radial symmetry and balance, symmetry and balance, from plants to water from plants to water swirling down the drain.swirling down the drain.

Artists also have used symmetry, from old cathedral Artists also have used symmetry, from old cathedral windows …windows …

……to watermelons!...to watermelons!...

As an artform, As an artform, radial symmetry is radial symmetry is commonly found in commonly found in the works of the works of MANDALAS, such MANDALAS, such as the sacred sand as the sacred sand paintings by paintings by Tibetan monks.Tibetan monks.

From all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, that of From all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, that of painting with colored sand, ranks as one of the most painting with colored sand, ranks as one of the most unique and exquisite. In Tibetan this art is called unique and exquisite. In Tibetan this art is called dul-tson-dul-tson-kyil-khorkyil-khor, which literally means "mandala of colored , which literally means "mandala of colored powders." Millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid powders." Millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days or into place on a flat platform over a period of days or weeks. When finished, to symbolize the impermanence of weeks. When finished, to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists, the colored sands are swept up and poured all that exists, the colored sands are swept up and poured into a nearby river or stream where the waters carry the into a nearby river or stream where the waters carry the healing energies throughout the world. healing energies throughout the world.

Mandala painting has inspired contemporary artists Mandala painting has inspired contemporary artists to create many of their own radial images.to create many of their own radial images.

These are by an artist known as Aya.These are by an artist known as Aya.

Alex Grey

Toni ArnonToni Arnon

YOUR TURN!YOUR TURN!

Create a PRINT of a MANDALA!Create a PRINT of a MANDALA!