Statement of Intent

The goal of this composition explores “shape grammar” elements using shape construction techniques. I will find “new” or surprising compositions using visual contrasts to create and expand shapes through the “Notan”. I will use simple shapes to create and convey a theme and aesthetic. 

Goals & Perspective

I will do this starting with a simple shape and extracting other shapes to create contrasted images on Adobe Illustrator. Dependent on option #1 or #2 the composition can either be somewhat abstract with simple shapes (option #1) or can be more complex to convey a selected theme (option #2). 

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Ideation

Exercise #1

Analog

To begin experimenting, I started with a square and began to extract shapes using the Notan process. By reflecting each cut shape over the axis of the square I began to see the contrast of each shape. By beginning to create more complex shapes and using experimentation I began to also flip shapes based upon previously extracted shapes.

 

 

 

Adobe Illustrator

After completing my first exercise, I then transferred the created composition into Adobe Illustrator, by using a grid and continued use of simple shapes, I recreated my analog creation digitally. This was a great first experiment to help me evaluate the basics of Adobe Illustrator.

 

 

 

 

Exercise #2

Following exercise #1, I began sketching and experimenting to help decide what I wanted to move forward with. I started attempting to produce a composition from other base shapes. By using a circle as my base shape, I began to see an issue with attempting to extract another half of the circles to create a larger extracted circle. To get a perfect circle I had to cut a full shape directly.

 

Following the use of simple shapes to create an abstract collection, I wanted to experiment with option #2. To create these complex shapes, I decided to try and convey a theme of pirates & nautical imagery. For this, I experimented with a triangle and brainstormed ideas for my nautical theme.

I attempted to convey a pier going out to sea. Attached to this base, I used sailboats and wildlife I felt demonstrated the feeling of being near and on the ocean. However, when evaluating and asking others, I felt the theme was not extremely clear and remained more abstract than I intended. So I continued to refine my process and imagery which led me to my final draft.

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Iteration + Production

From my initial ideas, I decided on a base shape of a square. I then thought of many recognizable shapes to help convey my theme from my previous more abstract compositions. This consisted of waves, surfboards, life preservers, lighthouses, and various other pirate ship-like symbols. By using the design principles of symmetry/asymmetry and hierarchy, I think I was able to achieve this intended theme.

I also wanted to convey the look of the moon/sun on the horizon of the ocean. This was achieved through implied shapes of circles and other recognizable simple shapes. I also dropped my base square to the bottom of the 14″ x 14″ composition which I think helped create a sense of unified harmony for all of the connected shapes.

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Reflection