sacred geometry exploring the yoga connection between mind, body, and spirit through Envisioning Information (MCD504 -1405 -CD) susan fireside
the series This series explores the connection between different aspects of yoga. Using data from multiple sources to tell a singular visual narrative, a system of 6 pieces were developed using sacred geometry as the basis for the grid system that is used to keep the work within the same parameters and allows the different subjects to have an additional level of connection. Colors used are influenced by the vibrant palette from India, the country were the system of Yoga originated. Integrating different Mandalas within the title, each poster tells a different story.
http://www.mandalaproject.org/What/Main.html
yoga
sacred geometry
mandala
The classical techniques of
In sacred geometry, symbolic
The word mandala is from the
Yoga date back more than
and sacred meanings are
classical Indian language of
5,000 years. In ancient times,
ascribed to certain geometric
Sanskrit. Loosely translated to
the desire for greater personal
shapes and certain geometric
mean “circle,” a mandala is far more
freedom, health and long
proportions.
than a simple shape. It represents
life, and heightened self-
In the ancient world certain
wholeness, and can be seen as
understanding gave birth to
numbers had symbolic meaning,
a model for the organizational
this system of physical and
aside from their ordinary use
structure of life itself—a cosmic
mental exercise which has
for counting or calculating;
diagram that reminds us of our
since spread throughout the
plane figures, the polygons,
relation to the infinite, the world
world. The word Yoga means
triangles, squares, hexagons,
that extends both beyond and
“to join or yoke together,” and
were related to the numbers
within our bodies and minds.
it brings the body and mind
were thought of in a similar
Describing both material and
together into one harmonious
way, and it is thought, carried
non-material realities, the mandala
experience. The whole system
even more emotional value
appears in all aspects of life: the
of Yoga is built on three main
than the numbers themselves,
celestial circles we call earth, sun,
structures: exercise, breathing,
because they were visual. The
and moon, as well as conceptual
and meditation.1
term Sacred Geometry has
circles of friends, family, and
come to be known an art form,
community.
generally digital geometric representations, closely aligned with mandala art.2
http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/general.html http://www.mandalaproject.org/What/Main.html
the color palette
the type The san serif typeface Gotham was used to keep the focus on the infographic and to complement the complex line art by keeping the typography clean and sophisticated.
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1234567890
the mandalas The mandals used for this project were based off a series of vector illustrations. Because of their complexity in the original, the 5 mandals chosen were simplified to balance out the line art of the series titles.
the mandalas
mandala in title
the grid One mandala was chosen as the basis for the grid.
the series Each infographic is based off a theme from each week. 1-6 are 24 x 36 inches and printed flat. The last piece is a 3 Dimensional work that integrates spices in plastic to create an organic work.
• Squares
• Circles
• Lines
• Maps
• Photography
• Connection
• 3 Dimensional
FLEXIBILITY GENERAL CONDITIONING STRESS RELIEF IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH PHYSICAL FITNESS
NEW
TIME OFF
INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED
WHO PRACTICES
IN THE UNITED STATES
www.statisticbrain.com/yoga-statistics/
TOP REASONS FOR STARTING
100
www.yogajournal.com/press/yoga_in_america
BEGINNERS
IN THE UNITED STATES
Portland, OR
23%
Seattle-Tacoma, WA
46%
Philadelphia, PA
42%
Boise, ID
21%
80
New York City
34% 60
40
San Diego, CA
20
21%
Baltimore, MD
28%
San Francisco, CA
59
%
0 FEMALE
MALE
Washington, D.C.
34%
GENDER PRACTICING
IN THE UNITED STATES
www.forbes.com/pictures/eihg45kghj/no-1-san-francisco-oakland-san-jose-ca/
IN THE UNITED STATES
www.yogajournal.com/press/yoga_in_america
TOP TEN PLACES FOR
EXERCISE HEALTH BENEFITS
T
D
IC
C
L
U
N
S
O
F
V
U
E
R
E
V
IE
W
E
C TI
0
8
AS
HEALTH BENEFITS WITHOUT
A
NUMBER O F TH E WH
S
Malas, or prayer
OF
SYMPTOM REDUCTION OR ALLEVIATION
beads, come as a string
DISEASE PREVENTION
TH
M
IS
EMOTIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS
N M
X
A
for counting as you repeat
U
E
a mantra. According to yogic
B
E
N
Y
tradition, there are 108 sacred
R
M
A
sites throughout India, 108
A
L
Upanishads (religious texts)
O
S
N
or sacred places
E C
R
of the body.
Mood
IS
E
N
Stress Reduction
T
G
S
IV
T
E
O
C
and 108 marma points,
N
T
BODY CHEMISTRY
of 108 beads. A mala is used
P
E
HEALTH BENEFITS WITHIN
.
L
T R I
UAL SIGNI
FIC
ANCE.
MA
O
NED MAT HE
E OLENESS OF EXISTEN C
RENOW
D
1
I
A
E
H
Anxiety
V
E
Depression
S
Self-control Mind-body connection
N
,
EN
M
OO
Heart disease
Positive outlook
N , AND EAR T
Osteoporosis
Hostility
Alzheimer’s
Concentration
Type II diabetes
Memory Attention Social skills Calmness
H: T HE A
Carpal tunnel syndrome Asthma Arthritis
VERAGE DISTA
NCE
O
F
TH
E
Multiple sclerosis Cancer Muscular dystrophy
TI
U
S
N A
N
D
T
H
E E
M O
O
N
T
A
R
T
H
IS
10
ME
S
T HEIR RE SP
ECTI
A
H
A
A M ETERS. SUCH PHEN OM
U
Self-acceptance
Migraines
Cholesterol
Scoliosis
Lymphatic system
Chronic bronchitis
Glucose
Epilepsy
Sodium
Sciatica
Endocrine functions
OCD
Triglycerides
Constipation
Red blood cells
Allergies
Vitamin C
VE DI
8
O
Menopause Back pain
Blood pressure
Aging
Pulse rate
Posture
Circulation
Strength
Respiratory
Energy
Cardiovascular endurance
Weight
Organs
Sleep
Gastrointestinal
Balance
Immunity
Integrated body
Pain
Body Awareness
Metabolism
Core strength
Low risk of injury Parasympathetic Nervous System
Sexuality
Muscle tone Subcortex Reduced oxygen consumption Breathing Balanced workout Non-competitive Joint range of motion Eye-hand coordination Dexterity Reaction time Endurance Depth perception
http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/24/77-surprising-health-benefits-of-yoga/
77 SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS OF
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/2579
WHAT A MALA IS IN
the series
Cumin
Cinnamon
Turmeric
Rosemary
Thyme
Cayenne ENHANCES YOUR
Garlic
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
SUPPORTS HEALTHY BLOOD
AN ANTI-OXIDANT
BOATS PROPERTIES FOR
ANTI-OXIDANT AND
NATURAL ANTIBACTERIAL
AND GREAT FOR DIGESTION
SUGAR LEVELS AND IS AN ANTI-OXIDANT
AND SUPPORTS HEALTHY
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY,
HAS ANTI-CANCER
AND IMPROVES
IMMUNE SYSTEM,
BLOOD PRESSURE,
BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
ANTI-CANCER, ANTI-OXIDANT
PROPERTIES
DIGESTION
IMPROVES BLOOD FLOW
REDUCE CHOLESTEROL
HELPS TO LOWER
TOP 8 HERBS AND SPICES FOR HEALING IN AYURVEDA Ayurveda is the traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3256/Top-8-Herbs-and-Spices-for-Healing.html
Ginger
theme: squares topic: who practices yoga in the U.S.
ITERATIONS
beginners
BEGINNERS
NEW
TIME OFF
new
time off
intermediate
advanced
INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED
WHO PRACTICES
www.statisticbrain.com/yoga-statistics/
IN THE UNITED STATES
www.statisticbrain.com/yoga-statistics/
IN THE UNITED STATES
WHO PRACTICES
BEGINNERS
NEW
TIME OFF
INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED
IN THE UNITED STATES
www.statisticbrain.com/yoga-statistics/
WHO PRACTICES
theme: circles topic: top reasons for starting a yoga practice in the U.S.
ITERATIONS
FLEXIBILITY GENERAL CONDITIONING STRESS RELIEF IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH PHYSICAL FITNESS
TOP REASONS FOR STARTING
www.yogajournal.com/press/yoga_in_america
IN THE UNITED STATES
FLEXIBILITY GENERAL CONDITIONING STRESS RELIEF IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH PHYSICAL FITNESS
IN THE UNITED STATES
www.yogajournal.com/press/yoga_in_america
TOP REASONS FOR STARTING
theme: lines topic: gender percentage of those who practices yoga in the U.S.
ITERATIONS
100
80
60
40
20
FEMALE
MALE
GENDER PRACTICING
IN THE UNITED STATES
www.yogajournal.com/press/yoga_in_america
0
100
80
60
40
20
0 FEMALE
MALE
IN THE UNITED STATES
www.yogajournal.com/press/yoga_in_america
GENDER PRACTICING
theme: map topic: top 10 places to practice yoga in the U.S.
ITERATIONS
WASHINGTON Portland, OR
23%
PORTALND IDAHO
Seattle-Tacoma, WA
46%
NEW YORK
Philadelphia, PA
42%
Boise, ID
21%
PENNSYLVANIA
New York City
34% DC
CALIFORNIA
MARYLAND
CALIFORNIA
San Diego, CA
21%
Baltimore, MD
28%
San Francisco, CA
59% Washington, D.C.
34%
TOP TEN PLACES FOR
IN THE UNITED STATES
www.forbes.com/pictures/eihg45kghj/no-1-san-francisco-oakland-san-jose-ca/
No. 1: San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA 59% No. 2: Seattle-Tacoma, WA 46% No. 3: Philadelphia, PA 42% No. 4 (tie): Washington, D.C.34% No. 4 (tie): New York City 34% No. 6: Baltimore, MD 28% No. 7: Boston, MA 26% No. 8: Portland, OR 23% No. 9 (tie): San Diego, CA 21% No. 109 (tie): Boise, ID 21%
Portland, OR
23%
Seattle-Tacoma, WA
46%
Philadelphia, PA
42%
Boise, ID
21
% New York City
34%
San Diego, CA
21%
Baltimore, MD
28%
San Francisco, CA
59% Washington, D.C.
34%
IN THE UNITED STATES
www.forbes.com/pictures/eihg45kghj/no-1-san-francisco-oakland-san-jose-ca/
TOP TEN PLACES FOR
theme: object topic: what a mala is in yoga
ITERATIONS
T
D
IC
C
L
U
O
V
U
E
R
E
V
IE
W
E
C
TI
0
8
AS
A
NUMBER O F
L
S
Malas, or prayer
OF
beads, come as a string
M
IS
N
M
X
A
for counting as you repeat
U
E
a mantra. According to yogic
B
E
N
Y
tradition, there are 108 sacred
R
M
A
sites throughout India, 108
A
L
Upanishads (religious texts)
O
S
N
or sacred places
E C
R
of the body.
N
T
G
S
IV
T
E
O C
and 108 marma points,
N
E
H
V
E S
,
EN
M
OO
N , AND EAR T
H: T HE A
VERAGE DISTA
NCE
O
F
TH
E
TI
U
S
N
A
N
D
T
H
E
E
M O
O
N
T
A
R
T
H
IS
10
ME
S
T HEIR RE SP
8
O
WHAT A MALA IS IN
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/2579
ECTI
A M ETERS. SUCH PHEN OM
U
N
VE DI
A
H
A
IS
T
TH
of 108 beads. A mala is used
P
E
THE WH
O
T R I
UAL SIGNI
FIC
ANCE.
MA
E. OLENESS OF EXISTEN C
REN
ED MAT HE OWN
D 1
I
A
N
S
F
E
theme: connections topic: health benefits of yoga
ITERATIONS
SYMPTOM REDUCTION OR ALLEVIATION
EMOTIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS
EXERCISE HEALTH BENEFITS
DISEASE PREVENTION
HEALTH BENEFITS WITHOUT
EXERCISE HEALTH BENEFITS
HEALTH BENEFITS WITHIN BODY CHEMISTRY
Carpal tunnel syndrome
SYMPTOM REDUCTION OR ALLEVIATION
Asthma Arthritis
HEALTH BENEFITS WITHIN
Multiple sclerosis Cancer Mood
Muscular dystrophy
Stress Reduction
Migraines
Anxiety
Scoliosis
Depression
Chronic bronchitis
Self-acceptance
Epilepsy
DISEASE PREVENTION
Self-control
Sciatica
Mind-body connection
OCD
EMOTIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Positive outlook
Constipation
Hostility
Allergies
Concentration
Menopause
Memory
Back pain
Attention Aging
Social skills
Posture
Calmness
Strength Energy
Mood
Weight
Stress Reduction Anxiety
Sleep
Heart disease
Depression
Balance
Osteoporosis
Self-acceptance Self-control Mind-body connection Positive outlook Hostility
Integrated body
Alzheimer’s
Body Awareness
Type II diabetes
Heart disease
Core strength
Osteoporosis
Sexuality
BODY CHEMISTRY
Alzheimer’s
Concentration
Type II diabetes
Memory Attention Social skills Calmness
Carpal tunnel syndrome Asthma Arthritis Multiple sclerosis Cancer Muscular dystrophy
Glucose Sodium
Sciatica
Endocrine functions
OCD
Triglycerides Red blood cells Vitamin C
Back pain
Strength Energy
Cardiovascular endurance
Weight
Organs
Sleep
Gastrointestinal
Balance
Immunity
Cholesterol
Pain
Lymphatic system
Epilepsy
Allergies Menopause
Posture
Respiratory
Metabolism Low risk of injury Parasympathetic Nervous System
Low risk of injury Parasympathetic Nervous System Muscle tone
HEALTH BENEFITS WITHOUT
Subcortex Reduced oxygen consumption Breathing
Integrated body Body Awareness
Balanced workout
Core strength
Blood pressure
Non-competitive
Sexuality
Pulse rate
Joint range of motion
Muscle tone Subcortex Reduced oxygen consumption Breathing Balanced workout Non-competitive Joint range of motion
Circulation
Eye-hand coordination
Cholesterol Lymphatic system Glucose
Organs
Endurance
Sodium
Gastrointestinal
Depth perception
Endocrine functions Triglycerides
Eye-hand coordination
Red blood cells
Dexterity
Respiratory
Dexterity Reaction time
Cardiovascular endurance
Immunity Pain Metabolism
Vitamin C
Reaction time Endurance Depth perception
77 SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS OF
77 SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS OF
http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/24/77-surprising-health-benefits-of-yoga/
Scoliosis
Constipation
Aging
Pulse rate Circulation
http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/24/77-surprising-health-benefits-of-yoga/
Migraines
Chronic bronchitis
Blood pressure
EXERCISE HEALTH BENEFITS
HEALTH BENEFITS WITHOUT HEALTH BENEFITS WITHIN BODY CHEMISTRY SYMPTOM REDUCTION OR ALLEVIATION
DISEASE PREVENTION
EMOTIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Mood Stress Reduction Anxiety Depression Self-acceptance Self-control Mind-body connection Positive outlook
Heart disease
Hostility
Osteoporosis Alzheimer’s
Concentration
Type II diabetes
Memory Attention Social skills Calmness
Carpal tunnel syndrome Asthma Arthritis Multiple sclerosis Cancer Muscular dystrophy Migraines
Cholesterol
Scoliosis
Lymphatic system
Chronic bronchitis
Glucose
Epilepsy
Sodium
Sciatica
Endocrine functions
OCD
Triglycerides
Constipation
Red blood cells
Allergies
Vitamin C
Back pain
Aging
Pulse rate
Posture
Circulation
Strength
Respiratory
Energy
Cardiovascular endurance
Weight
Organs
Sleep
Gastrointestinal
Balance
Immunity
Integrated body
Pain
Body Awareness
Metabolism
Core strength
Low risk of injury Parasympathetic Nervous System
Sexuality
Muscle tone Subcortex Reduced oxygen consumption Breathing Balanced workout Non-competitive Joint range of motion Eye-hand coordination Dexterity Reaction time Endurance Depth perception
77 SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS OF http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/24/77-surprising-health-benefits-of-yoga/
Menopause
Blood pressure
theme: dimensional topic: Aruveda and yoga This final piece uses the same dimensions as the others, but features the actual spices mentioned in the infographic. The final piece took many different turns, including at one point having this done as an exploration in packaging. Many materials were considered in order to create the mandala, including cutting out plastic, hand stitching, and 5 different glues. The final piece was done using the same dimensions as the others in a series, and using the spices itself to create the mandala as the information.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND GREAT FOR DIGESTION
Cumin SUPPORTS HEALTHY BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS AND IS AN ANTI-OXIDANT
Cinnamon AN ANTI-OXIDANT
Turmeric
Rosemary
Thyme
Cayenne ENHANCES YOUR
Garlic
BOATS PROPERTIES FOR
ANTI-OXIDANT AND
NATURAL ANTIBACTERIAL
AND SUPPORTS HEALTHY
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY,
HAS ANTI-CANCER
AND IMPROVES
IMMUNE SYSTEM,
BLOOD PRESSURE,
BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
ANTI-CANCER, ANTI-OXIDANT
PROPERTIES
DIGESTION
IMPROVES BLOOD FLOW
REDUCE CHOLESTEROL
HELPS TO LOWER
TOP 8 HERBS AND SPICES FOR HEALING IN AYURVEDA Ayurveda is the traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3256/Top-8-Herbs-and-Spices-for-Healing.html
Ginger
working with spices Packaging involved finding jars, ordering spices, and designing a system of labels.
label design
Ginger ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND GREAT FOR DIGESTION
Cumin SUPPORTS HEALTHY BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS AND IS AN ANTI-OXIDANT
Cinnamon AN ANTI-OXIDANT ANDSUPPORTS HEALTHY BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Turmeric BOATS PROPERTIES FOR ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTI-CANCER, ANTI-OXIDANT
Rosemary ANTI-OXIDANT AND HAS ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES
Thyme NATURAL ANTIBACTERIAL AND IMPROVES DIGESTION
Cayenne ENHANCES YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM, IMPROVES BLOOD FLOW
Garlic HELPS TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE, REDUCE CHOLESTEROL
working with spices Since I wanted to show the colors and texture to the fullest, plastic was the chosen medium. This resulted in purchasing yards of plastic to make a custom shape as well as using cake decorating materials that had a similar shape as the petals from the mandala. Various glues were tried as well.
working with spices What worked was creating a form that I could then pour the space onto, shake to level out the spices and place on a white piece of cardboard to photography each separately. The process was repeated 7 times, were the photos were edited in Photoshop and then placed into Illustrator using the sacred geometry guides for each leaf.
sacred geometry exploring the yoga connection between mind, body, and spirit through Envisioning Information (MCD504 -1405 -CD) susan fireside