This week I have been giving lectures about composition. One of the ways I have been thinking about design and composition is how they are a hidden system that provides organization and structure to the world. We don’t see gravity and yet we all know that the orbit of planets and stars are organized by this hidden force that is so precise we can calculate exact dates and times for celestial events like an eclipse.
In design artists will use a variety of systems to organize compositions. Graphic Designers use a grid system. Painters use something called a harmonic armature or dynamic symmetry. Photographers often use a simplified version of the harmonic armature called the rule of thirds. For the past couple of years I have been looking at Japanese flower arrangements known as Ikebana. Ikebana uses a system based upon a ratio of three lengths of stems or branches that are measured in proportion to the vase or bowl that is holding the arrangement.
I made this flower arrangement as a class demo of how I can research hidden systems of design and apply it to a still life composition.
I did not stick to strict Moribana rules by only having two flowers but I felt the third one made this composition. Afterwards I made a closeup version and added some palm fronds to enhance the texture and lines of my design.
I think it is worthwhile studying design principles and rules and then modifying them to make something that feels right for you. I was happy with the outcome.
