Visuals
Project Statement
This project explores 2D shapes and how their relationship to one another can demonstrate different principles and elements of design. For my specific composition, I tested the relationship between squares and circles. I first started by constructing a simple black and white square grid, drawing emphasis to one specific square by rotating it 90° to the right. After this, I experimented with different circle placements in order to most accurately represent my chosen feelings of separation and loneliness. I landed on the placement above, with a group of three circles resting near the slanted square and a single one resting near the top left corner. After creating this composition digitally, I inverted the positive and negative space and produced it physically with Bristol.
Process
View detailed project process at Shape Grammar: Process
Reflection
As the first project I completed within the Design Foundation classes, Shape Grammar allowed me to gain a great initial understanding of shape interactions and how they can differently demonstrate design elements and principles. I struggled at first due to the objectivity and vast amount of interpretation this project allowed for but eventually I was able to create a composition that demonstrated the qualities I wanted. Beyond this, Shape Grammar taught me a lot about the importance of craft. As someone who’s used to doing things more often digitally than physically, I never acknowledged the power good or bad craft held over the outcome of a project until now. With Shape Grammar, specifically, all the proportions had to be as accurate as possible in order to ensure that the design principles would successfully transfer. Thus, I created several drafts before my final and focused on taking my time to cut and glue them perfectly. My last physical composition ended up warping slightly around the edges but overall, I’m extremely proud of myself for the work I completed. I’m also very grateful this was our first project, as I believe it laid a great foundation for the following ones.