PATTERN WITH COLLAGE

Mixed media encourages diversity in outlook, one of our design goals. The format is 22"X28" with 1" side borders and 1.5" top/bottom borders, allowing 5" square blocks. From of list of materials, students were to select a minimum of 4.

Designing the first block with proper materials is essential. For beginning students, the repetition of creating that same block 23 more times challenges one's patience and desire for quality control. By the end of the work, one's appreciation for good effort is clearly respected.

We reviewed several pattern constructions studing repeat arrangements and variations. (See Pattern Series for some arrangement possibilities.) Blocks having diagonal design in part of it permits more pattern variety by doing quarter and half turns. We began with several sketches on a variety of themes, selected one, worked it to scale in colored pencil indicating material use and where, and then making the first example.

After all parts were completed, trial arrangements were conducted for final placement and design repeat. Below are some completed examples with the repetition arrangement they used or modified. Illustrations do not do them justice. The brilliance of metallic papers, variety of stacked design levels and contrasts of materials is not clearnly defined. However, much of the complexity of design is apparent and was well worth the effort.

The left design had both blocks with angular design permitting a nice rotation in the center. The right used a staggered grouping of 4 blocks, and modified the sample arrangement shown to its left.

Again, angular design on the left example enabled quarter and half block rotation, and is marked by numerous, beautifully cut metallic shapes. On the right is a simple alternating arrangement. Sadly, contrasting felt, string and wallpaper textures are not visible.