Shape Grammar

 

Digital Composition

After bring introduced to the project, I set out to create shapes with shapes. Initially, I started to randomly organize white and black forms in a unstructured manner. It was basically flow of ideas of my mind unconsciously trying to create outlines that I recognized, ones I see in my every day life.Drawing digitally had several benefits, it was easier to move things around and align them in a way that allowed the eye to visualize layers in a way that would be difficult to the human eye. The ease was especially beneficial in just putting down ideas to allow development in the next process steps.

Then I decided to experiment with combining several shapes together to visualize how the complexity of the overall form would; change shift or progress. During this process, I again caught myself trying to rationalize the forms, make them into something I know or something recognizable by others.

The downside of connecting more than one different shape was that the composition stated to look too complex to where it requires extra effort of the viewers part to figure out whats going on.

   Exploring shape combinations Exploring shape combinations

This lead me to wonder what the preexisting squares would look like if I eliminated the black squares and implemented the same concept as the analog version to the digital. Then I started exploring the elements and principles that were unconsciously used in the first stages of my process, along with the feelings they convey.

Analog Composition

I used shapes made of Bristol paper to create these ideas. I simply started by randomly placing shapes in the boxes. My intention was to make it look organized without putting too much thought into it. I focused on the flow of ideas and let my brain communicate with the page.

I found this process quiet challenging because it was hard to make perfectly sized shapes. As compared to digital drawing where you can just copy and paste to get perfect outcomes without hand errors. A benefit of this method was that I couldn’t used black squares so it was easier to see outlines. This progression helped me look deeper into the line contours to identify new forms. I also started to recognize that the simplicity is an asset because it helps portray complex ideas without overwhelming the viewer.

In this next step, I started to to compose frames by considering the Elements and principles of design. I stated focusing on creating hierarchy of elements and narrowing the scope down to a 2 element focus. in each square I explored the feeling and impression I intended to convey and also considered how those elements are portrayed to others. This shift in technique helped me dig deeper and create meaning. I focused on utilizing space and conveying intent. The most challenging part of this process was trying to focus on 2 main elements, this also proved to be the most important. In most cases, less is more. being able to covey the most with as less as possible is a design concept I am working towards.

 

Curiosity 

After making all these different compositions, one of them struck out to me the most. I tried tirelessly to make it coherent and harmonious. it looked nice but something was off. so I began experimenting different ways to make it work. I was having trouble picturing it, so I decided to experiment in a way that I could visualize it best.

                                               

Final Six