I've another interesting page on patterns. All you have to do is stroll through villages in South India just before the break of dawn, and you will see women creating pretty patterns in front of their houses. These patterns are called "Kolam" and they go on the ground. Typically coarsely rice powder is used to draw these designs. Besides rice powder, flowers, lentils, salt, sawdust, fruits, and vegetables are also used in this art. Food coloring mixed with rice powder is also used to create colorful designs. The custom of drawing such free-hand kolam goes back to several centuries. And, it has several purposes - ornamental, spiritual and at the same time serves as food for insects since the material used to draw is edible.
Kolam combines art and geometry! Each and every design will be symmetric and proportionate. You will see a center and the pattern will expand in all directions equally. Women in my family are expert artists and I'm glad to share some of my mom's work here. This picture of my mom was taken twenty-two years ago. She has won several prizes in competitions as well. Following are some original kolams from outside various homes in Tamil Nadu. Look forward to your comments!
My mom's Kolam
via: Kolam Designs
via: Kolam Designs
via: Rathna Rangoli
via: Pinterest