Page 6 - Paradise City Guide Fall 2018

Special Feature

Rhythm and Decoration

in Art and Design
Levy & Deveer
Backgammon Set
Inlaid hardwoods
Playful, mesmerizing, seductive, even startling —
patterns captivate us with their clever, intricate rhythms.

Patterns are all around us, playing an important role in our ability to navigate through life. Some
scientific studies suggest seeing patterns will even make you smarter! And what a pleasure it is to
be mesmerized by the pattern found in a snowflake’s design, a tiger’s symmetrical stripes, or the
never-ending spiral of a shell.

Following in nature’s footsteps, artists use patterns to repeat or echo important ideas in their
work, letting a pattern communicate a sense of balance, harmony, contrast, or movement.
Drawing patterns is one of the oldest art forms. Think of the repeating patterns of lotus
leaves carved into the great tombs and monuments of the Egyptian pharaohs. From the 7th
century on, the ultimate pattern masters had to be the Islamic artists whose geometric
patterns still inspire our awe in magnificent buildings like the Alhambra in Spain or
the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul. In the 20th century, MC Escher took patterns
to dizzying artistic heights with his “tessellations” which created mind-boggling
symmetrical patterns out of fish and frogs and flying birds.

Jonathan White · Ironclad · Earthenware clay.
Patricia Palson · Paisley Stripe · Handwoven jacket
Ted Tatarzyn · Zebra Line Drinking · Photograph

6 | preview the shows at www.paradisecityarts.com