Statement of Intent
For this continuation of the Shape Grammar project, I focused on using basic shapes to create balance, symmetry, and a sense of calm in a composition with Notan. This provides a contrast to my Shape Grammar project, with the use of sharp triangles to convey anxiety. I thought it would be interesting to explore both sides of the prompt of emotion, especially in seeing how subtleties can impact our interpretations of a composition.
Ideation
I began the ideation process by exploring different examples of Notan, collecting inspiration for possible themes or elements and principles of focus.
We did a class exercise in Notan, practicing our understanding of its concepts, cutting and reflecting shapes from our black card stock.
Through the practice notan exercise in class, sketching, and exploring with the Illustrator app, I was able to get a better sense of what type of composition I was most drawn to and figure out different ways to create different visual effects in Notan.
Next, I tried some simpler compositions using Illustrator, as I realized I was more interested in the power of the overall visual effects of the Notan compositions I looked at and explored rather than the smallest details, which was a differentiation from my usual way of working.
Once I felt confident in the direction my iterations were taking me, I decided to move forward into the production of my final piece using only basic shapes to communicate a chosen emotion.
Iteration & Production
After exploring different shapes, potential themes, and levels of complexity at the start of the process, I was drawn towards focusing on a simple composition with basic shapes, specifically focusing on circles. I was also intending to communicate a peaceful, calming energy through a balanced and symmetrical composition. Keeping my slight earlier explorations into pattern in mind, I looked for areas of movement in my iterations that might be helpful in communicating my emotion.
I began to identify a flowing, yet linear repeating pattern that I felt perfectly exuded the calm energy I was after. From here, I moved in to final production, starting with symmetrical reflections of slices from a single circle. I then introduced smaller circles to create a line of reflection along the edges of the slices.
I used Notan reflection on two contrasting scales to suggest an almost rotating linear movement in converging directions. The flow of movement is predictable and slowly paced, seemingly bringing each trail of circles to meet harmoniously at certain points in the composition. The symmetry and balance aided by Notan’s requirement for reflection also helps to bring a sense of reason and gentleness to the piece and its movement.
Reflection
With this project, I ended up with a final composition that was fairly different from what expected going in, and even ended up stumbling upon certain elements and principles with my composition as well in experimenting with the Notan process. I had originally planned on going in the more thematic direction with this piece, and instead ended up focusing more on a clear communication of elements and principles, as this seemed to be the direction my process naturally gravitated towards. If I were to further explore these concepts, I would likely give a more thematic approach a try, and attempt to create a representation or story using what I’ve learned about Notan here and the effects and energies it can create from this project. In the end, I feel that, not only did I gain new important skills and perspectives regarding the roles of compositional elements and principles, but I produced a piece that I feel successfully uses gentle movement and symmetry to communicate a sense of calm to the viewer.
Portfolio Project
The page showcasing my final Shape Grammar Part 2 project can be found through the link below!