For the longest time, I resisted the need to add more colour, different colours, to my tessellations. I wrote before about this need, Recolouring a tessellation. Here are a few samples of my newly transformed prints. And some notes about my findings on the topic of colour in tessellations. Continue reading
Since M.C. Escher started popularizing “nested shape” tessellations, many artist have dabbled in the field. Some show a passing interest, yet still create with a very deep understanding of the rules of symmetry. Others can’t get enough and create constantly in this medium. Still other artists push the boundaries and explore off-spurs, into fractals, circle limits, non-repeating planes, animation, metamorphosis, pentagonal rules, morphing shapes, platonic solid tessellations, architecture, art shows, consumer products… Continue reading
Sometimes, I find it difficult to spend hours tweaking a single outline for a tessellation. I’d rather sketch freely to come up with some ideas. This was the only way to do it, before the edit line/fill function came along in KaleidoPaint. My drawings were messy and close to impossible to change without adding more of a mess on top. Sometimes it was easier just to start over on a blank page. The trick I had found Continue reading
Totally enjoying the “realign” function in KaleidoPaint. Not only does it unskew the symmetry’s grid, but it also sets the grid to the same view. This is what makes it possible for me to share short animations of my tessellation processes. Continue reading
I’ve chosen a pattern from an Islamic geometric design as inspiration to get started for this tessellation. Looking at the photo, we can see four mirrors intersecting at ninety degrees to form a box. In the centre, a four way rotation point. Continue reading
My first ever tessellation, redrawn from scratch, to show the series of steps required to achieve a successfully nested shape.
The original image was a pencil sketch from years ago. Before Windows 3.1 and way before the iPad. And I could not afford an Amiga computer, even less the first Mac. So cardboard, pencils, scissors and lots of graph paper it was. Continue reading
Constant compromise. Coming up with a tessellation is an excercise in seeing both sides of the coin. A long process of shifting the needs on both sides of the line and allowing the other side to use available space, without loosing sight of your own purpose, your own needs. Finding a crack somewhere, nudging a line, inserting a limb in a space between. Give and take. Just as in life. Elle philosophise. Continue reading
Took a while, but I finally came up with a tessellation I like, to represent this Pmm symmetry group. I’ve named it “Gelbe Karte”, yellow card. This tessellation is built with five characters, Höwedes, Asamoah, Kolasinak, the Ref, and the one receiving a yellow card for excessive simulation (diving), Robben. About time Arjen gets a card.
Finally got around to creating a “Cheat Sheet” for starting a tessellation. A page of my own. Sometimes I need to physically mime my ideas, so hands are a good base to use here. Often it is difficult to decide which group to choose to accomplish a certain design. Continue reading
Don’t ask me how the software works, or about the geometry recalculations it does. I just want to share how cool this widget is. And ever so simple. Continue reading
A mesmerizing video by the Zaragoza University’s Math Institute that I must share with you. It deals with the underlying geometry behind many universal designs. Continue reading
Many times, I will sketch a whole bunch of tessellations. Some look okay, others somehow keep my interest, but have flaws or unresolved areas. I usually leave them aside for a while and return with a fresh eye. One such tessellation was the Jewel Thief. Continue reading
Found another iPad App to do tessellations. Sames rules of symmetry, but with different tools. iOrnament. I’ve only played with it for a week now, but here are a few differences and advantages listed. Continue reading
The Android version of KaleidoPaint is finally finished and publicly available. I would like to share this spectacular and free app with the group Broug Atelier for Islamic Geometric Design.
