Repetition Grid

For our assignment we were given instructions to create a grid with a motif of our own creation using repetition, variety, rhythm, balance, emphasis of a focal point, and economy.

I began by choosing my motif of a triangle cutting through a square which I decided to place in the center of my tile but purposely not fulling fitting the tile. I decided not to take up the entire tile because I liked how it appeared to be like an arrow. The motif was kept at the 1×1 because I felt that would give me more options.

As I began laying my tiles down to form my grid I was reminded of what the center of a mandala. So as I placed the motif I began focusing on the idea of the layout of a mandala. Which led me to my final product.

The chosen one plays on the traditional idea of focusing on the center and working from that unity out to include different aspects depending on the person or group creating the mandala. Both Navajo Indians and Tibetan monks create sand mandalas and mine personally is more directed toward the Navajo style as per my personal taste and relations.

Once I chose the pattern, I copied the design on another piece of tracing paper to transfer to the illustration board. Once transferred I inked the final pattern. The border I cut to match the corners since most mandalas are not meant to last, I felt a regular border would defeat the idea. So I cut the border to look as if the patter would continue instead of being held in.

Critique Notes:

For the critique of my piece the group started out by stating that they could not figure out my motif. They did feel that it was creative except for my focal point being in the center, but the focal point did fit the piece. However the middle seems to create a static composition. The border received mix reviews as some did really like it and others felt it was too distracting. They seemed to like that it was not so busy and felt there was good symmetry even though there were pieces missing in the top right corner. The overall feel from the class was that I should have presented it at a diagonal instead of straight up and down to help the composition.