Shape Grammar: Positive and Negative: Process

Statement of Intent

For this project, my intent was to start with a basic black shape (in my case, a square), cut shapes out of my original shape, and flip the arrangement of the shape over the axis on the square. With this process, it allowed us to create contrast with both positive and negative shapes. Instead of creating a composition on paper (like we did in Exercise 1 below), we explored how to use our iPads to compose art through the application, Adobe Illustrator. My goal for this assignment was to broaden my experience with Adobe Illustrator and explore the impact Notan art can make with the use of positive and negative space.

 

Ideation

In Exercise 1, we were told to create a Notan composition on paper, then create the same composition on Adobe Illustrator. The left image is my ‘on paper’ composition and the right image is my ‘online’ composition.
In these three images, I started to work on exploring ideas for my final composition. I explored a variety of compositions, arrangements, and shapes during this process.

 

Iteration and Production

Option 1

Principle: Asymmetry

Description: In my final composition, I used the Notan process to create a ‘hypnotizing’ effect due to the continuation of flipping shapes back and forth. I wanted to incorporate the ‘hypnotizing’ effect, but I didn’t want it to be too overwhelming which is why I balanced out the bottom half of the composition with a more simplistic top half. The use of asymmetry in my composition allowed me to balance out the overwhelmingness of the bottom, with a more simple top half.

 

Reflection

Throughout this assignment, I enjoyed learning about making compositions using technology, rather than the typical paper method. I do feel like I excelled using Adobe Illustrator because of my experience with Adobe applications in my past art classes. I did however find it difficult to first get the hang of flipping shapes and where certain shapes should be located on my composition. Although, after a few drafts, I was able to comprehend the shape placements correctly using the Notan art process. I also struggled with making unique shapes out of my basic shapes (squares, triangles, and circles), which is why I decided not to go with option 2 for this assignment. Overall, I am extremely pleased with my final composition and my unique twist on the Notan process. I do feel like I struggled in a few areas, but overall, I do think this assignment highlighted some of my best design qualities.