Thursday, April 3, 2003

Sacred Geometry and Ceramics Jay Hambidge's book The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry published in 1926 is an analysis of the geometric elements that went in to the design of Greek vases. He studied various Greek vases and proposed that there proportions were based on the golden section. The golden section, or golden mean, is a specific ratio of proportions that seems to be pleasing to one's eye. It appears often in nature. It was used by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians as well as Leonardo da Vinci. You can see if it is pleasing for you. Artists use the golden mean when they want to create something pleasing to the eye. However, artists may also use this ratio when they want to refer to the Golden Mean with its historical roots and modern understanding. This is but one example of the art object using how it is created (its proportion) to convey a meaning. I find it similar to our discusson of a graphic composed of code in, The medium is the message. It is also a way for an art object to confer upon itself those timeless and sacred aspects associated historically with the golden mean. In this way it can be an effective element to symbolize a piece's specialness. It is an addition to our discussion of containers for special objects and symmetery. 10:45:33 PM