Carl Gombert perfectly balances form and symbol using geometry, patterns, and shapes. His art is reminiscent of Indian Mandalas and Native American quilting, focusing on the meditative quality of repetition. Using shapes such as circles and squares, he arranges them into a mathematical relationship that creates the feeling of sacred space. The recurrence of simple elements produces a rhythm, connecting the spiritual with the earthly, the art with mathematics.

Gombert combines decorative art-making traditions from across the globe. Medieval illuminations, Celtic and Islamic patterns, textiles, bread-weaning, quilting patterns, symbols of Pop Cultures and stamps – all combined to create “Mandalas.” A Mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols. Eastern spiritual practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Shinto mandalas are used to map prayers and energy movements. It represents the spiritual journey through layers from the outside to the inner core. For Gombert, this process is improvisational.

Although the work looks highly planned, the way allows for free development, generally starting from the most basic pattern in the middle to smaller patterns surrounding the center. Other images from the Pop-Art era to funny rubber stamps of today bring additional amusing narratives. The play of Pop Culture against art history, combining the old and the new, public and private, serious and silly. “I want things that are fun to make and fun to look at,” says Gombert.