Basic Design "At Home With Flowers"

UNIT 5 Creative Design, part one    class notes, page 1             See pdf version to print

What is creativity? Is it the ability to see and feel in the minds eye and then bring that vision to reality through the use of plant material?  Creativity is imagination made visible.  It comes from the heart, mind and hands of a living person.  But a designer must first learn the rules of designing before feeling free enough to bring her inner vision into the creation.

Principles of Design
Balance
Rhythm
Dominance
Contrast
Proportion
Scale

Elements of Design
Line
Color
Light
Texture
Pattern
Form
Size
Space

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In every design there is some creativity because it is a form of self-expression.  Exhibitors reflect their own inner beauty, happiness, love, caring and sharing through flowers.  The creative person is always moving and finding new ways to capture the imagination.  Choosing to be creative requires determination, perseverance, observation and flexibility. Understanding the tools of designing (elements) and the characteristics they possess is important in the selection of plant material.  New forms created by clipping, piercing or pruning can excite as the spark of creativity unfolds.  The design principles are the backbones of creative design.  They bring order and meaning to what we create.

PLASTIC ORGANIZATION is interaction with space to achieve great depth.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  1. Simplicity is the key, using only 2-3 kinds of material.

  2. Little or no transitional material

  3. Forms made are spontaneous rather than planned

  4.  Actual space plays an important role

  5. May have more than one focal area

  6. Eclectic in concept

  7. Structural clarity evident

  8. May have more than one point of emergence

  9. Degree of abstraction varies:
    a. minor abstraction
    b. Moderate abstraction

  10.  Intense, sometimes clashing colors

  11. Sharp contracts

Simplicity is the key to all good design.  Use only 2-3 kinds of material.  Little or no transitional material is used.  There are strong line and colors if you wish to use them: unusual components, accessories, exotic or bold material is the key to uniqueness.  Personal expression means picturing a feeling - making a statement and showing it in a new way.

Creative work is not bound by rules, styles, etc.  With the help of the principles of design, inspiration, generated by imagination can be powerful and lead to beautiful inner peace and satisfaction for the creative person.

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