This paper examines the development and use of vocabularies of shapes constructed using geometric principles as a basis for ornamental pattern design.
Posts Categorized: Pattern
Tenfold Pattern Variations
As many of us enter a period of isolation in the unusual and unsettling situation the world finds itself in, many of us will take the opportunity to spend time learning new skills, a process which can help us both focus and relax at the same time. For me, these qualities have been invaluable ones… Read more »
New published work
Some of my works have been published in the last month. Firstly, I have written a paper for the latest issue of the Journal of Illustration titled On the use of vocabularies of geometric forms in ornamental pattern design. This has been developed from a talk I gave at the Decriminalising Ornament – the 9th… Read more »
Art of Islamic Pattern Exhibition at Homerton Hospital
I’m very pleased to be exhibiting two painted geometric drawings as part of this group exhibition at Homerton University Hospital, London organised by Richard Henry and Adam Williamson from Art of Islamic Pattern alongside excellent and varied work in a range of media by a number of other geometric artists. If you would like to… Read more »
Upcoming Geometric Pattern Workshops & Courses – Summer 2019
In the summer of 2019 I will be teaching the following geometric pattern courses at The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, London and at Alqueria de Rosales, Spain. I will be covering different aspects of Islamic geometric design with a focus on communicating the core structural principles of this infinitely variable artform.
Constructing grids with ruler and compass
In September 2018 I gave a presentation about patterns constructed using grids at the 4th International Workshop on Geometric Patterns in Islamic Art in Istanbul. For the presentation I prepared these timelapse videos demonstrating different methods for constructing grids using ruler and compass and I have posted them here to be of service to a… Read more »
Timelapse geometric drawings for the Qatar National Library
Earlier this year the Qatar National Library opened a new permanent exhibition of artefacts from it’s Heritage Library collection. I was commissioned to make three timelapse videos demonstrating the construction of geometric designs featured in particular artefacts, to be displayed alongside the original pieces. In order to create the films I analysed and reconstructed the… Read more »
Ruler & compass construction guide for a Moroccan geometric pattern
Printing Islamic geometric patterns using lasercut tiles
“Geometry is an inexhaustible well of formal beauty with which to fill our bucket; but before the draught is fit for use it should be examined, analysed and filtered through the consciousness of the artist.” Claude Bragdon, from Projective Ornament (1915)
AV collaboration with Ali Wade
Ali Wade – 'Breccia' (fd004) from Ali Wade on Vimeo. These are the fruits of an audiovisual collaboration between Ali Wade and myself. The music is by Ali taken from his recent album Geomorphology on the Frequency Domain label. The visual element is a shapeshifting collaboration of techniques between Ali and myself, combining freeform monochrome… Read more »
Exploring geometric tilings with ruler and compass
Inspired by Professor Miroslaw Majewski’s exploration of the pattern above left, seen at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, I have developed a practical ruler and compass construction method which allows for the creation of a set of tiles which can be configured in numerous ways, giving rise to a whole range of patterns. Working through… Read more »
Ambigraph at the 3rd Annual Workshop on Geometric Pattern in Islamic Art, Istanbul
Over the summer months, I have been beavering away on a new body of print work created by relief printing from lasercut tiles. The shapes of the tiles arise from different symmetries and result in different vocabularies of form which can be configured into a rich language of pattern. The prints above are all available… Read more »
Audiovisual collaboration with DJ Food
As part of a Feast Film Nights screening of the incredible and inspiring documentary Jodorowsky’s Dune, DJ Food (Ninja Tune records) weaved together an hour long set of music and samples connected with Frank Herbert’s most famous novel, Dune, accompanied by my cosmic geometric animations.
Analysis of a geometric pattern from the Alhambra Palace
I haven’t posted on here for some time due to being immersed in studying and practicing geometry. One of the aspects I’ve found most rewarding and stimulating is the process of analysing and reconstructing a pattern. It’s done wonders for the development of my understanding of geometric proportions and pattern making.
