Every art is a reflection of one’s imagination and creativity. This summer saw several art workshops – from teaching one to hold a pencil to guitar – mushrooming in the city. Country Club, Begumpet is set to offer a workshop on mandala style of glass painting that concentrates on the creative aspect and thought process of painting rather than its technicalities.
Moving away from use of stencils in glass painting personal as well as commonly used patterns like floral patterns, animals, birds and portraits, the workshop titled Contemplative Glass Painting: Mandala Painting lays emphasis on two unseen aspects of glass painting – contemplation on arts and mandala painting. “All art form needs contemplation. But very few concentrate on this. Through this workshop we want people to see the art form in a different form,” says Mallika Rajkumar, city-based freelance photographer when asked what prompted her to include the element of contemplation in her workshops.
What is Mandala painting?
The workshop will feature a group painting which is circular in shape and has different patterns inside it. “Mandala is a Sanskrit word that means sacred circle. It can bring in harmony and peace. Through this workshop, these elements of mandala will be bought on glass painting,” Aarathi Selvan, a psychologist who will lead the participants through contemplative aspects of mandala painting along with artist Sonali Dey.
The glass painting will be done by members.“Circles play a vital role in human life and they act as the centre post that attract eyes. Drawing circles can produce general relaxation, control breathing and make us focused. It can bring order in our lives. If we look around we can see everything, from the sun to the moon, in different forms of circle. The cycle of events also proves the importance of a circle,” Aarathi explains.
As a clinical psychologist she considers mandala as an important meditative practice that she aims to impart through the workshop. “It was the 20th century Swiss psychologist Carl Jung who used circle in psychology for the first time. I ask people to draw mandalas when they are confused. It relaxes their minds and makes their lives harmonious. Through mandalas in glass painting, participants will get a first hand experience of this,” she adds.
This workshop promises to bring a new experience for all creative people and especially lovers of glass painting .
Contemplative photography and writing workshops will also be held at Country Club on May 23 and 30, respectively.