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Chapter 9 |
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Reading: Read the section Repetition and Rhythm.
Premise: The idea behind this project is to create two very different compositions using the same visual elements. One composition should be "dynamic," the other one should be "static."
Time required to do this project: Allow three hours, not including photocopying time.
*Materials: Magazine or newspaper photographs to photocopy, rubber cement, scissors, white illustration board or poster board, ruler, pencils. Note: Size of composition and mounting board are left to the discretion of the instructor. I have found that 8" x 8" seems to work well for each composition.
How to start: Begin by selecting images that are simple, such as singular objects depicted in magazine ads or photographs. Examples: Images of cords, wires, snakes, eels, skis, snow boards, etc. In other words, things that indicate "linearity." Also, look for backgrounds, these could be room interiors, showrooms with cars in them, underwater photos, landscapes, etc. Try to find about 25 images of objects, and several different backgrounds.
Glue all of your images onto 8 1/2" x 11" typing or copy machine paper.
Photocopy each page of glued images twice, you need two sets of everything. Cut out all the photocopy images with scissors. Cut right along the edge of each image, don't leave the images looking like rough cut blobs! Separate the two groups.
The dynamic composition creates movement. Our eye "lands" in it, and starts to move immediately! There is a powerful "S" curve that sweeps through the lower half of the composition, as well as a dynamic interplay between the dominant circular forms beginning at top center. Consider how actual and implied lines can lend themselves to creating movement in a composition.
Using one set of images, and no glue, try to create a collaged composition that feels dynamic. Start by moving the images around physically on top of the poster board. You will see how shapes that are linear, when placed next to each other, reinforce direction and motion. Try to create this same motion less obviously. See if you can find ways to incorporate implied line. After you try several variations, select the most dynamic one and glue the images to the illustration board.
Now, how can you make the movement stop? How can you make a new composition with the same images, but virtually no dynamic qualities?
The static composition is actually more difficult, because you must find a way to make the movement stop once it has started! Running line off the edge of the board will only make it seem more dynamic, so you must make the movement of your second composition start and stop within the picture plane. Your challenge then, in the second composition, is to run the elements into one another, or have their directions repeatedly conflict with one another.
(These compositions produced by Shaun Rance of Oregon State University)
Good Luck and have fun! If you come up with a successful pair, scan them and send them to me. Maybe we'll use them in this site! Below you can see some finished examples of this project.
*About materials: Most, if not all, of these materials are available at craft stores, college bookstores, and quite often discount department stores. I suggest trying Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Ben Franklin, etc. You can also order materials through
Dick Blick, Inc.
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