Beyond Aesthetic Traditions

Art is more than an expression and a realm of aesthetic principles. It doesn’t only bestow upon us the beauty of creation, but the functionality of what is created as well. In the process of conceptualizing an idea into a design solution, one should be able to have careful planning, research, creativity and creativity. The designer should firmly grasp the essence of the objective or vision to generate the design of such thoughts. This may be applicable to the professional designer as well as to amateurs. Ideas will be concretized into action plans and visual images will lead to a quantification of thoughts if one will patiently seek out knowledge and apply them in a uniquely manner with the touch of one’s creativity.

In crafting an object, principles must be maintained in order to be guided. However, this should not be singled out as rules so as not to lose one’s creative thinking. Such principles when applied, affects the expressive content of the craftsmanship. To mention a few, these are:

Balance – This is the state of equilibrium or equipoise where two opposing forces are reconciled to achieve visual stability.

• Symmetrical balance – the distribution of weight or influence of art pieces are equal in both sides of a centrally placed fulcrum. In relation, bilateral symmetry is achieved when elements are arranged equally on either side of a central focal point.
• Approximate symmetry – the equivalent forms of the elements are positioned around the pivot line.
• Asymmetrical – an off-center or mismatched number of contrasting elements that can create an interesting design due to the unevenly distribution of art pieces that creates boundless possibilities.

Proportion – The relationship between things with respect to comparative magnitude, degree of quantity, where the context or standards used are the basis in such comparison. Architectural spaces intended to impress are usually scaled to a size that dwarfs the human viewer. This is often used in places where a variety of people gather such as churches, office buildings and centers of government. On the other hand, the proportions of a private home are usually more in scale with human measure, and as a result it appears friendlier, cozier and less intimidating ambiance.

Rhythm – The patterned repetition of a motif or element at a regular or irregular interval in the same or modified form.

A patterned repetition of a motif, formal element, etc., at regular or irregular intervals in the same or a modified form.

Functionality – The construction of such object is primarily a direct fulfillment of what the designer or developer requires. Great functionality and best possible materials used adds to the aesthetic appeal of an object.

Such principles are guidelines in crafting and producing art, yet the concept of art is not always guided by rules. Many great achievement have been born out of chance and this has been greatly proved throughout history – such as the invention of penicillin and microwave for instance. The advent of experimental form started within early design history during the 1960s. New materials were available for artists to experiment and utilize. Polyurethane foam proved highly attractive due to the material’s uncontrollable, expansive mass that produces a more or less random shape. PUR pioneers such as Gunnar Aagaard Andersen produced a series of chairs entitled ‘Portrait of My Mother’s Chesterfield Chair’. Lynda Benglis as well crafted sculptures our of polyurethane that were called ‘Fallen Paintings’, were such boomed the popularity of such materials due to the avoidance for inferior copies of the model, and most of all, its uniqueness, randomness and yet functionality. In addition, “Quartered Meteor” marked the beginning of an evolution of chairs that looked as if poured against the wall. Moreover, in the field of graphic design, Stefan Sagmeister being praised for his concept-driven work, memorable and definitely unnerving piece of furniture – the ‘Darwin’ lounge chair. The structure is unconventionally upholstered with a cushion made from 230 sheets of paper, each bearing a different design.

Crossing disciplinary boundaries is a risk to take but glorifying indeed. When artistic individuals go beyond the conventional, we may never know what to expect. Beauty is not only in the eyes, but in all of the senses of the beholder.