Jan 3, 2011

Alchemy of Art - Pattern Play by Anna VanDemark

Happy Monday, my friends.
We have a wonderful new contributor at the iStudio.

Please welcome Anna VanDemark.
Anna is a gifted artist and teacher... her talents include quilting, textile art and pattern design.  

Anna will be sharing a new series with us at the iStudio, entitled Art Alchemy.
Websters defines alchemy as - " Any seemingly magical power".  
Anna will be weaving together everyday life, art concepts and inspiration.

Welcome Anna.  So happy to have you here.

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“Art is pattern informed by sensibility.”  - Herbert Read
Patterns make up every aspect of our lives.  Since patterns take on many guises, we are sometimes unaware of their presence.  It may be the patterns of our actions – kindness vs. thoughlessness; the patterns of time revealed within our daily routines – work, play, rest; or the visual patterns of nature and art – contrast, repetition, and balance.  These are but three examples of many that surround us.  So, what patterns are you aware of and how might they inspire or affect your creative work?  Let’s consider some visual patterns.
Decorative patterns are literally commonplace.  Check out the amazing architectural detail in many buildings.  You’ll see the stark, clean lines of contemporary spaces along with the elaborate, ornate patterns of old buildings and mansions.  Our homes are filled with pattern – clothing, furniture, rugs, and quilts.  Shopping trips provide an overwhelming amount of visual pattern.  Observe dishware, window displays, greeting cards, journal covers……..  Look high and low, pattern is everywhere!
Nature is full of beautiful patterns.  Study first nature’s details, such as veining on leaves, ridges on shells, symmetry in flowers, and patterns on the fur of animals.  Next, take a mid-range view.  You may see the vertical space divisions between trees or within a patch of cattails, repeat patterns on water, or the ridges of wind-blown sand dunes.  Finally, look into the distance at the patterns a field of grasses and flowers present, the horizontal space divisions of land, trees, mountains, and sky, or an aerial view of fields, roads, and rivers.
You get the picture; our world is awash in glorious pattern.  Absorb it all and be inspired!
Wishing you a pattern filled day,
Anna


7 comments:

Bonita Rose said...

Anna, I am so happy to meet you.. I can't wait to get to know you and learn more from you! hugs to you xo bonnierose

Prairie Girl Studio said...

wow.
what a most wonderful and stirring post, anna!
i am forever looking at patterns ... finding them ...
following them ... marvelling ...
you have SO eloquently described this
and i thank you!
our world is awash in glorious pattern
how i LOVE this ... : )
warm hugs and welcome!
xo
prairiegirl

Jamie said...

Welcome Ana! Your post was beautiful, made me stop and look around me at all the patterns in my office and outside the window - thanks for the inspiration.

Kim Klassen said...

anna, i could sit and stare at your beautiful image all day....

thank you for this.... so happy you are here....

xxo, kim

Marcie said...

Aaah yes..and I love how you've captured the patterns here. Such a beautiful image...and welcome!!!

kelly@thebluemuse said...

That is one amazing image, and I love this post, so true, pattern is everywhere you look, I especially love the patterns formed in nature.
Welcome to you!

Unknown said...

That photo is so so stunning!!