Video 1
Geometry
Possibly the greatest influence on our work has been the integration of geometry. We tend to place a geometric symbol in the centre of each mandala and base each piece on that.
It is as if we place the symbol on a pedestal. This centre-point (bindu) is then embraced by ever expanding circles of colour, harmony and balance expressing a coherent vibration of wholeness.
We commonly create ancient symbols from the major belief systems such as ying and yang, the cross, flower of life and the sri yantra. Alternatively we use mathematical archetypes of the natural numbers one through ten. Working with these shapes has been nothing short of life changing.
The patterns inherent in the geometric shape of the natural numbers are those same patterns found in nature. By working with these shapes for many many hours at a time we have become acquainted with the patterns operating in the creative process of nature itself. This has opened us to the majesty of the mystery. Meaning, we have become accustomed to seeing the geometric patterns of number in something as simple as a periwinkle shell. Other examples include understanding the proportions that make up our bodies and how this same ratio is mirrored in the respective distances of the planets from the sun. Architecture of all sorts reveals these patterns from gothic churches to roman arches back to the pyramids all disclose these patterns of nature. Over the years it is as if Solas Art has begun to look at the world with new eyes. Somehow through working with these archetypes in this meditative way it is as if they have become activated within.
For example if we lay a mandala based on the heptad archetype (seven) suddenly we will begin seeing the process of seveness everywhere. The way this can occur is like a flooding of the psyche. For instance we may begin wondering about how white light gets divided into seven colours, how these seven colours correlate with the energy centres in the body outlined in the ancient Indian chakra system. It is as if a vortex of discovery opens up and becomes available through which and infinity of insight is revealed. Staying with the seven analogy we could go on to feel and intuit how the musical octave consists of seven notes before the first note is played in the higher octave. This could lead us to wonder about the vibration of sound and on to the realisation that matter is merely patterns of energy vibrating at different frequencies and thus spark curiosity into the discoveries occurring in quantum physics. This field is a journey in itself one could travel for many thousand lifetimes!!!
At the risk of digressing here we simply want to share the manner in which our experience of working with geometry takes hold. Each persons experience will be different and the style of insight will vary. The Solas Art emphasis is simply one of encouraging this experience!
Without doubt the work of Michael S. Schneider has been the single greatest influence in this area for Solas Art. His book ‘beginners guide to constructing the universe’ has become a manual of discovery for us. His accessible style of writing has facilitated our exploration of natures geometric treasure trove. Whether it is expressing the relative proportions of the earth moon relationship or uncovering the spectrum of psychological motivations Michael S. Schneider has beyond a shadow of a doubt become our greatest teacher in this area.
Here by kind permission of the author is an excerpt from the introduction to this book entitled ‘Mythmathics’
Mythmatics - (click here to download pdf)
We extend sincere gratitude to Mr. Schneider for allowing us include his work here and kindly remind readers that all work is copyrighted and remains the property of the author.
Michael S. Schneider has been an educator for 35 years who enjoys exploring the intersections of nature, science, mathematics and art.
Michael is the author of "A Beginner's Guide To Constructing The Universe: The Mathematical Archetypes Of Nature, Art and Science" (HarperPerennial paperback 1995), five "Constructing The Universe Activity Books" and numerous articles concerning mathematics and mathematics education through nature, art science and philosophy.
He's an Adjunct Professor at the California College Of The Arts (San Francisco) teaching traditional and current "Mathematical Ideas" useful to artists. He's also taught at the Ex'pression College For Digital Media in Emeryville and the Sophia Center For Graduate Studies in Culture and Spirituality at Holy Names University in Oakland.
