A visit to India last year presented a wonderful opportunity to learn about Hindu culture and religion. The many gods and their stories were fascinating and enchanting.
Of these, I was most intrigued by Shiva. Destruction and creation are two sides of the same coin, one cannot exist without the other. This ancient wisdom is reflected in our modern understanding of nature.
Nataraja is the depiction of the god Shiva performing the cosmic dance that destroys an old, tired universe and thus makes preparations for the god Brahma to create anew. Of the many wonderful images I saw, I chose this ancient bronze statue that I photographed to create my mandala. I drew the traditional circle of flames that surround the dancing god of destruction/creation.
great 3-D effect.
ReplyDeleteThese are truly beautiful. I am not sure who enjoys such mandalas — the viewer or the creator. There is magic in their making and we are never sure exactly what the finished result will be.
ReplyDeleteHeather Mendel
www.wordartist.com