Radial Design & Symmetry

Symmetry is where one part of an image is balanced or mirrored by the other side. Symmetry is where one part of an image is balanced or mirrored by the other side.

radial, radiate, and radial balance - Radial means anything of, relating to, or arranged like rays. rays

This means images which seem to start in the center and move outwards in all directions simultaneously. This means images which seem to start in the center and move outwards in all directions simultaneously. A star, the iris around your eyes, a wheel with spokes, and a daisy (among many other plant forms) are examples of radial balance. A star, the iris around your eyes, a wheel with spokes, and a daisy (among many other plant forms) are examples of radial balance.

Nature contains an abundance of radial symmetry and balance, from plants to water swirling down the drain. Nature contains an abundance of radial symmetry and balance, from plants to water swirling down the drain.

Artists also have used symmetry, from old cathedral windows … Artists also have used symmetry, from old cathedral windows …

…to watermelons!... …to watermelons!...

As an artform, radial symmetry is commonly found in the works of mandalas, such as the sacred sand paintings by Tibetan monks.

From all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, that of painting with colored sand, ranks as one of the most unique and exquisite. In Tibetan this art is called dul- tson-kyil-khor, which literally means "mandala of colored powders." Millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days or weeks. When finished, to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists, the colored sands are swept up and poured into a nearby river or stream where the waters carry the healing energies throughout the world.

Mandala painting has inspired contemporary artists to create many of their own radial images. These are by an artist known as Aya.

Kike Sven

Toni Arnon