Club Bananas April’s Collaging Workshop will be based around the theme of…
Spirals! 🌀✨
Following the past few months of workshops revolving around nature inspired themes such as; Spring, Blossom and Freshness, I thought we’d adventure in something slightly different this month.
I find spirals compelling and am fascinated by them in my current artwork. They possess many different qualities and have meanings which vary across religions and cultures. They are generally understood as a “cosmic”, “protective” and/or “mystical” shape.
The spiral is an age old decorative form and can be traced back to the Ice Age - and potentially even further! It was present in cultures all across the world and continued to be used decoratively in; artwork; pottery; and religious motifs throughout the ages.
Early examples can be found in; Maltese, Siberian, Polynesian, Chinese and African artworks. There are various hypothesis considering the origin and meaning of the shape yet there is no definitive one answer.
Key examples: The Sun Cross, The Tree of Life, La Tené Art (European Stone Age), Unalome (in Buddhist and Hindu artwork).
Connotations: Fertility of the Land, Changing of the Seasons, The Lunar Cycle, Transformation of Spirit, The Sun / Sun’s Rays, A Gateway to the Spiritual World, The Cycle of Life Death, Eternity
In Buddhism the “Unalome” can be seen to represent the spiritual journey of a being moving towards Nirvana (or enlightenment) and becoming mindful. The spiral represents the journey through life and through spiritual practise. Similarly, in Hinduism, the spiral can be understood in some readings as relating to one’s journey of growth and spiritual development. The Unalome can also be regarded by some as the third eye of Shiva - otherwise known as the destroyers of evil. The symbol can therefore be read as a protective emblem - helping one overcome obstacles and negative energies.
In the Pagan faith, motifs of spirals can be linked to natural elements such as the sun, stars and cosmos. In the Neolithic to Early Middle Ages, spirals are commonly associated with sun worship to grace the fields and pastures with bountiful crops and produce.
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As well as being incredibly satisfying to draw, spirals are riveting in their historical appearance across cultures; as well as their varied meanings and symbolism. I find spirals to be so rich with opportunity and possibility - they can take you any way you’re curious to explore!
I hope the words above give you some inspiration for how to incorporate spiral designs into your collages! You can try using them literally (making spiral shapes with magazine covers, scrap paper and card) or perhaps can take a more abstract approach using some of the symbols and meanings associated with spirals to influence your piece!
As always, tickets are available at a “pay what you can” rate and all abilities are welcome.
All materials are provided as usual, but feel free to bring any additional collaging materials!
I can’t wait to see what you create! Get ready to unwind and unravel your ideas at Club Bananas, “Spiral” Collaging 🌠