Project Description: Use Gestalt principles of design described in the lecture (similarity, closure, proximity, continuity and symmetry) to subdivide and re-group the parts to suggest new shapes and to create a puzzle for the viewer to imagine how the pieces were derived from the original square.
I did some research and learned that one important idea of Gestalt Theory is that “Parts are defined by the whole.” It is about regrouping the elements and make them serve the unified theme. Accordingly, it occurs to me that there are similar concepts in Traditional Chinese Scenery painting. Also to compose with ink and rice paper is really about the contrast between black and white. So I decided to depict the four Chinese “junzi” or gentlemen–plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum.
I immediately got the composition plan for bamboo from my observation. Basically it is utilizing rectangles for branches and leaves.
Next, I thought about chrysanthemum. I was inspired by the logo of my favorite basketball player Derek Rose. But petals of chrysanthemum are denser and longer, also more outward. So I tried to create an impression that the flowers have many layers.
As for the orchid, I did random cutting as the feature of the orchid is kind of organic and causal. Lastly I use the similar strategy with bamboo for plum blossom, excerpt for the thicker and stronger branches that embodied its tenacity.
Final work:
Reflection: As the first project of this course, It is challenging in terms of time limitation and its high requirements of execution. The core of the project is to understand and learn how to incorporate these principle into the design. So creating a more conceptual image rather than depicting real objects will be a better choice. Also, try to expand the dimension and beyond the frame if possible.