Topic #2: Pattern and Ornament
Overview
In the previous topic, we considered the environment around us as a source of inspiration for art-making. We asked you to consider the legacy of received knowledge regarding skill-sets you already had. The purpose of this was to, in part, open your eyes to the categories and biases you might personally impose on your idea of art.
This topic will be a consideration of what is frequently referred to as the ‘decorative or applied arts’. The term itself is embedded with the same sorts of categories and biases that plague what can be considered ‘fine arts’, and we will address those concerns throughout the topic.
In addition to looking at numerous examples of the use of pattern and ornament throughout history, we will be focusing on the design process itself.
The design process includes, for our purposes: conceptualization, planning, preparation and execution.
In this section, you will design and create the following:
1) A 3-D manifestation of one of the 2-D symbols in your Form-based Language.
2) A 2-D visual plan for either a repeat pattern or a low-relief ornamental form.
3) A set of drawings/plans for a chair of your design.
4) An ambitious artwork inspired from your chair design.
Assignments and Due Dates
Small Work #1. Language: 2-D to 3-D translation. Due Thursday, Sept 28th.
Create a physical manifestation of one of the symbols in your Form-based Language. You will construct a fully three-dimensional version (not a low-relief structure) of your form using planar materials (paper, cardboard, matboard, etc.). Your form should fit well into a volume of approximately 4” in all dimensions.
In addition to the object, you will create a set of instructions describing the process so that one of your classmates can recreate the structure. Be sure your instructions are clear, concise and complete. They can be a combination of image and text on paper, and should physically describe all aspects of the construction of your object.
Small Work #2. Using Pattern as reference. Due Thursday, Sept 28th.
From the furniture section of the pattern book,
A handbook of Ornament, choose a chair pattern that best communicates either your personality or a personality you would like to project. Identify your choice by writing down the image plate# and reference from the book. In your sketchbook, write down the personality trait you are seeking to convey.
Next, draw the chair pattern in your sketchbook and be sure to upload it to your blog. The height of the drawing should be no less than 5". Detail and accuracy counts. You will be working from this chair pattern for the next two assignments.
Additional blog research (observational): look for pattern and ornament in your daily world and record it via photo in a blog post. Get at least 5 examples.
Required Reading Response. Due Monday, Oct 2nd by midnight.
Respond to this -->
reading <-- from the Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh: Ornament and Pattern.
Link to the on-line questionnaire is
here.
Small Work #3. Incorporate a Repeat/Ornament. Due Tuesday, Oct 3rd.
With the chair pattern and personality trait in mind, create a 2-dimensional visual plan for either a pattern-repeat or a
low-relief ornamental form that can be incorporated into a chair you will be designing. You will choose
either a repeat pattern
or an ornamental relief. Not both. The pattern/ornament must be no smaller than 7” on the shortest dimension.
Notes:
We will provide you with a demonstration of the creation of a pattern-repeat by hand, as well as examples of geometric motives to use as organizing structures for the application of repeated form.
This pattern-repeat or low-relief ornamental form must be integrated into your chair design for the next assignment so be sure it makes sense with the chair pattern and personality you selected in assignment 2.
Small Work #4. Design your chair. Due Tuesday, Oct 3rd.
Based on the pattern selected in assignment2 and the repeat/ornament you created in assignment 3, design a chair that communicates your selected personality. Your design will be communicated in four detailed drawings each measuring 8"x10". The specific drawings are: Front View, Side View, Top View, Repeat/Ornament Detail view of the Repeating Pattern or Ornamental Relief.
In-Class Work Day. Thur Oct 5th.
Cropped section activity and workshop access.
In-Depth Project. Abstraction of the form. Due Tue, Oct 10th. Final Topic#2 Critique.
For your in-depth assignment, you will take the cropped section from your chair design (SM#4) and use it as a starting point to create an ambitious artwork. There are no limitations on materials or techniques, only size. The piece should be no smaller than 24" in the smallest dimension.
