LESSON 15: CREATING A BALANCED DESIGN SRUCTURE 15.0 OBJECTIVES 15.1 INTRODUCTION 15.2 UNDERSTANDING OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SPACE ON THE BASIS OF DESIGN AND THEMES
15.3 ASSIGNMENTS 15.3.1 CLASS ASSIGNMENTS 15.3.2 HOME ASSIGNMENTS
15.4 SUMMING UP 15.5 POSSIBLE ANSWERS TO SELF-CHECK QUESTIONS 15.6 TERMINAL QUESTIONS 15.7 REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READING 15.8 GLOSSARY
15. CREATING A BALANCED DESIGN Having learnt about positive and negative spaces and the importance of background in the previous lessons, it is important to balance the two forms of spaces in any design. This aspect is covered in this lesson.
15.0 Objectives After going through this lesson you will •
Understand the importance of maintaining a good balance between the positive and the negative forms in any given composition.
15.1 Introduction The idea of space refers to the area of background available to us, on which the design has to be made. It depends on what product we are working on. A designer must be able to identify the different layouts based on the product surface we wish to design. For this the space and the placement of design in it are, therefore, very crucial to a designer, to achieve an exclusive look. In this lesson, we will learn about the division of space according to our designs and themes.
15.2 Understanding of Positive and Negative Space on the Basis of Design and Themes It is important to maintain a good balance between the positive and the negative forms in any given composition. Only then it serves as a good design surface and is aesthetically pleasant to look at. The space that should be given between forms is a very subjective matter. The space between motifs is decided according to the themes and the inspiration we have and also on the look that we wish to give our end product. As a general rule if we give equal importance to both the positive and negative designs, a very balanced composition can be created. But this really depends upon the lines and curves of the positive form. Also, many visual corrections would also be required. The concept of giving equal space to the form and counter form does not always work. A theme like royal splendor or a theme inspired by the palaces and rich environment requires opulence and rich work. Therefore, the design should also be in harmony with the feeling that has to be evoked.
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Similarly, the designs might require traditional floral butis placed closely (Fig.15.1 A) so as to cover the entire design surface and not just place them sparsely (Fig.15.2 B) with equal space devoted to the positive and the negative. This royal splendor theme can also be translated as just one singular motif (Fig.15.1 C), so rich and detailed in itself that just that very motif in the centre of the end product (for example, a cushion cover) is sufficient to bring out the feelings of rich and exuberance.
Fig. 15.1A: Butis placed closely
Fig. 15.1B: Butis placed sparsely
Fig. 15.1C: One singular motif
The same philosophy is applied to our textiles also. For example, Gujarati embroideries involve every inch of space to be filled with embroidery stitches (Fig 15.2A). The reason can be to cover up all the odd and uninteresting fabrics which are too plain to use otherwise, so that it can be recycled. Kashmiri shawls in jaamawar also have rich intricate designs and the entire surface is woven in colored threads creating different motifs closely placed and interwoven. (Fig 15.2B) Another textile that is fully covered is the Phulkari and baaghs from Punjab. These are made colorful and full of motifs with designs all over the fabric surface to give sheen, rich, potent and colorful look for the new bride (Fig 15.2C).
Fig. 15.2B: Kashmiri shawls
Fig. 15.2A: Gujarati embroidery
Fig. 15.3C Bagh embroidery
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Therefore, we can say that designs are not just technically correct but are created with a social, cultural and emotional background. In Mughal textiles art also one can see motifs that are placed equidistant with equal space distribution between positive and negative and on the other hand motifs placed close together that speak of its richness and grandeur.
Fig. 15.3 Mughal textiles
Self-check Questions 1.
Fill in the blanks: i) It is important to maintain a good ________ between the _________ and the __________ forms in any given composition. ii) The space between motifs is decided according to the ________ and the __________ we have.
15.3 Assignments 15.3.1 Class assignments i) Make a composition for a cushion cover 16’’x16’’, using the same motifs. In one case place the motifs in such a manner that the positive and negative spaces are equal, and in another cushion surface close together and observe an entirely different look.
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15.4 Summing Up Let us summarize what we have learnt in this lesson: •
It is important that we maintain a good balance between the positive and the negative forms in any given composition.
•
The space between motifs will be decided according to the themes and the inspiration that we have and the look that we wish to give our end product.
•
As a general rule if we give equal importance to both the positive and the negative designs a very balanced composition is achieved.
•
The concept of giving equal space to the form and counter form does not always work though.
15.5 Possible Answers to Self-check Questions 1.
Fill in the blanks: i) It is important to maintain a good balance between the positive and the negative forms in any given composition. ii) The space between motifs is decided according to the themes and the inspiration we have.
15.6 Terminal Questions 1. Explain the importance of division of space. 2. Name some embroideries of India which use colours and threads to form intricate designs for exuberant look. 3. Choose the correct answers: i) Phulkari embroidery is done in: a. Rajasthan
b. Bengal
c. Punjab
d. Nagpur
15.7 References and Suggested Further Reading 1. Bhavnani, E. 1982. Decorative Designs and Craftsmanship of India. D.B. Taraporevala Sons & Co. Pvt. Ltd., Bombay.
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15.7 Glossary 1.
Identify:
Recognize OR determine
2.
Layouts:
The way in which something is laid out.
3.
Exclusive:
Special
4.
Aesthetically:
Having a pleasant appearance
5.
Subjective:
One sided
6.
Inspiration:
Motivation
7.
Opulence:
Richness
8.
Harmony:
Agreement
9.
Evoked:
Bring a feeling or image to mind.
10. Splendor:
Magnificence
11. Exuberance:
Excitement
12. Philosophy:
Way of life
13. Recycled:
Reprocessed
14. Intricate:
Complex
15. Equidistant:
Central
16. Grandeur:
Magnificence
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