Women in Art 278 Magazine October 2015 | Page 50

Latvian artist Solvita Balode Drawing My name is Solvita which is derived from Latin words Sol (sun) and Vita (life). Sun is a light giver and creates life. Just like the sun I also create and one of the things I create are Mandalas. Drawing mandalas is one of the ways how I wake up my Inner Creative Goddess. When I first discovered mandalas I felt a special connection with them. When I observed them I felt relaxation and excitement at the same time. I could look at them for hours. For me it was like some type of meditation. There was something mystical about them that I couldn’t describe at that time so I started to do my research on the meaning and history behind mandalas. Information that I found out about mandalas explained why I felt this special connection to them. After my research I had an inner feeling that I need to start draw my own mandalas. With every mandala that I draw I feel positive and growing changes within me. About Mandalas: Mandala is an ancient art form. The word mandala means “Container of essence” which comes from Sanskrit (manda meaning “essence” and la “container”). Mandala forms can be found in nature- flowers, snowflakes, spider webs, rings of tree trunk etc. Mandalas are also found in the architecture of many cultures and historic periods. Visually mandala is geometric design- usually circular. Starting at the center point and expanding outwardly through symbols, geometric shapes, forms, patterns and lines, Mandala reflects it’s creators unconscious mind. Many cultures around the world use mandalas in their spiritual practises for self-expression, personal growth and spiritual transformation. While creating a mandala we allow a flow of creativity, feeling, intuition and aspiration. Mandala is a great meditation tool for reducing stress. Simply by gazing at the mandala that is visually appealing to you, helps to quiet your analytical mind- left brain hemisphere and activates flow of your creative mind - right brain hemisphere, so it’s especially beneficial for left brain dominant people who usually are under stress. The longer you observe mandala the greater positive effects it has on your unconscious mind. wom en ART page 50