Friday, October 01, 2010

Mandala Patterns

Pattern Study #4, colored marker, 11x14

I love doing these pattern studies with colored marker. They are completely intuitive, meaning I don't start out with a plan of what I'm going to draw. Rather I begin with one shape, then another one, then add another layer and so forth. The pattern grows organically, and it's always amazing to see what the end result looks like. Each of these drawings takes several hours, and the process is quite meditative. I get into this trance-like state and forget to eat, drink or pee if I'm not careful!

This particular pattern was inspired by the Cartier and America exhibit that I visited a few months ago at the Legion of Honor Museum. I bought a gorgeous book that shows all of the jewelry that was in the exhibition, and I was definitely thinking of the art deco style and the obsession with the "exotic" that are so typical of some of the Cartier designs.

With each pattern that I complete, I can't help but dream of being a fabric designer. I would so love a skirt with this motif!

10 comments:

stacie said...

Why not do both? Getting your patterns licensed and using them on fabric would be cool!! I love them too...you know how it is, going to school always opens up other possibilities that you never considered before...I just wrote about expectations and holding on to those curve balls life throws you...your design work is really GOOD!

aimee said...

What a lovely pattern. I love it, Ali!

Unknown said...

This is beautiful! You have such a way with color! I could totally see you as a textile designer!

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Teej said...

Love it. I agree with Stacie!

Kathrin said...

The pattern that you have shown are all beautiful, Ali. Waiting to see more of your art work!

Brandie said...

Ali - I'm in love with this pattern!!

Ali Ambrosio said...

Thanks for the love, everyone. More patterns (and thus more dreams of being a fabric designer) coming soon - each week I have to do 8 pages in my sketchbook, and inevitably at least one is a colored marker pattern like this.

Dylana Suarez said...

What a beautiful pattern!

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El Erik said...

Ali, havent been to your blog for a while. This is beautiful. I imagine the satisfaction of concentration!!!