Photography and Mandala

During last semester, one of the ways I would pass the time when the country was in lockdown was by drawing. I experimented with many techniques but the one I enjoyed the most was Mandala Art. It became my art therapy. Mandala art is essentially drawing small patterns within certain shapes. It’s mainly done in black and white but it is possible to use different colors to make the design more vibrant. But, personally, I prefer doing a simple drawing using a black gel pen on a piece of white paper. What attracts me to this kind of art is that I can draw anything I want and the only constraint is staying within the borders of the shape I’m drawing in.

Throughout summer break, I spent many hours of the day listening to music and drawing on random pieces of paper. But, since I tend to be more of a perfectionist, I would only keep the drawings that looked good enough for my standards and would discard the others. However, I believe that there is no such thing as bad art because there is always something that makes an artwork unique.

In September, assignments started to pile up, and the season of college applications began. I did not organize my time well. I spent most of my day working, going to the gym, and spending time with my family and friends when I had the chance. As I reflect on the way I handled my time during that month, I regret not dedicating more time to draw. I was under a lot of stress the past few months and mandala art was my form of detaching myself from the outside world and relaxing. Although I also find exercise as a distraction from all the pressures in life, drawing allowed me to destress and reflect.

In addition to mandala art, I delved into the world of photography. I presume that, presently, my photography skills are average. Thus, my aim is to improve and bring myself to be at an expert level. In the summer, I started watching videos on different techniques and angles to use when taking pictures. I also watched videos on things that many people would do wrong when they take pictures.  It included many mistakes that I tend to make when taking photos. One of which was trying to focus on too many things in a single picture. Using the tips I learned after watching these videos, I attempted to take better pictures. Although they did not come out as well as I hoped, they were better than my previous attempts. Along with my drawing, my quest to learn professional photography halted last month. However, I plan to organize my time and devote more time to these activities in the future.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

I realized that Mandala Art was one of the forms of art that I prefer to do. I also aim to improve my photography skills.

• Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Although I have not been very committed to these activities the past month. I plan to be more organized and dedicate more time to do them.

• Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

I am learning new techniques and skills in photography. While the outcome once applying the skills I learned was not as good as I hoped, I will continue to develop my skills.