From one of the briefs of Explore Florals, a course from  Victoria Johnston Create Explore

Was to create something with a “Folk” flare.
This was not that simple. In my research of cultural folk, I wanted something Japanese.
Therefore, my inspiration was to be in the “Ikebana” a type of floral arrangement.

“Ikebana” inspiration

What I liked was the simplicity in design of the “Ikebana”, a similar trait found in Folk Floral designs around the world. A lot of symmetry is used in these designs and the use of primary colors.

So I decided to marry to simple concepts Folk & Ikebana flowers to create a Mandala. I used the effect of the sketch lines from an unfinished Ikebana painting to peek out in the artwork. Additionally this gave the illusion of path lines within a flower garden.

“Ike Flora”, an Ikebana Mandala! © Lisa Rivas

A mandala is a piece of art comprised of geometric patterns and symbols.
In Sanskrit, mandala translates to mean circle or center.
Mandalas can be your internal balance, your soul and eternity, or something unique.