The Course
Dive into the mystical and creative world of elemental art with a course that explores the intersection of color theory, the five elements and the five directions through the lends of Anthropology and symbolism!
Across cultures, landscapes, and centuries, the natural world has been understood through the lens of five fundamental forces—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. These elements are not just physical; they are energetic, symbolic, and deeply woven into spiritual traditions worldwide.
From Hindu and Buddhist philosophies to the teachings of the Yoruba people of West Africa, the Toltec and Mayan civilizations of Mexico, the wisdom of Indigenous peoples of the Americas and Australia, and countless others, these elements shape our understanding of life, transformation, and artistic expression.
In this course we explore the universal energies through the visual language of collage, using color and composition to create Spiral Collages, color compasses, and elemental wheels. These lessons will serve as the foundation for building both personal and collective narratives. The focus is not just on learning color theory but on understanding how color carries meaning across different cultures. Every society has its own relationship with color—where red may symbolize life force and celebration in one culture, it might signify danger or mourning in another. This course invites artists to engage with color beyond a Western framework, recognizing its fluid and dynamic role in storytelling across human history.
What you will learn
Through guided exercises, participants will create personal wisdom circle collages that reflect their individual relationship with these elements. This is not about replicating traditional designs but about using collage to explore how color and symbolism shape meaning. We will work with found images, textures, and organic materials to construct compositions that resonate with each artist’s personal and cultural influences. Participants will ask and discover the answers to essential questions: How do I organize color to evoke emotion? How do I position imagery to create a cohesive story? How do I embrace both structure and spontaneity in my work?
Anthropology
Join us as we create, explore, and discover the deeper stories embedded in color, shape, and symbol. Through the lens of ancient wisdom and personal expression, you will leave this workshop with a series of stunning mandalas and a profound understanding of how to harness color as a tool for evocative, cross-cultural storytelling.
Color Theory
This workshop is for artists, seekers, and storytellers—anyone interested in deepening their relationship with color, composition, and symbolism in a way that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you are looking to refine your artistic voice, explore new perspectives, or reconnect with the elemental forces that shape creativity, The Five Elements Mandalas offers a powerful, immersive experience.
Symbolism
Mandalas are an ancient artistic form, appearing in cultures as diverse as Tibetan Buddhism, Indigenous medicine wheels, and Aztec calendars. Their circular structure offers a space for contemplation, integration, and balance. By working within this sacred format, artists cultivate mindfulness and intention while engaging in a practice that honors both personal intuition and the wisdom of global traditions.
Curriculum
Meet the Artist
Robyn McClendon, an Anthropologist, seasoned Educator and mixed media Artist, brings a rich tapestry of creative experience to her course "The Five Elements Collage." With a career spanning over two decades, Robyn has delved deeply into the practices of collage, art journaling, and eco printing. Her comprehensive understanding of the visual arts is infused with a genuine passion for exploring the relationship between nature, history & personal expression. Making her not only an expert instructor but also a constant student of the craft.
At the heart of Robyn's teaching philosophy lies the conviction that creativity is a fundamental aspect of human experience, one that transcends boundaries and speaks to our intrinsic connection to the Earth's elements. Her course is a reflection of this belief, designed to inspire students to discover their unique artistic voice through the interplay of symbolism, color theory and anthropology. Robyn's dedication to her own creative journey allows her to guide course participants with empathy and enthusiasm, fostering an environment where art becomes a vehicle for self-discovery and transformation.