Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
fiber, wood and metal are the primary media or
materials used by craftsmen worldwide. Crafts-
men develop a special sensitivity to the particular
qualities of the materials with which they work.
Crafts objects may be identified and classified by
style: family resemblances based on culture, era,
or artist. Crafts objects, especially in traditional
societies are related to and reflect the pattern of
the culture: its customs and values. Craftsmen have
often worked within a cultural tradition, which
limits possible forms and designs. Contemporary
craftsmen, especially within cultural subgroups
may draw upon and adapt the traditional crafts of
their culture. Craftsmen in traditional cultures had
to discover their own technical solutions while
they were primarily relying on local materials and
conditions. Craftsmen in contemporary society can
draw upon worldwide resources and technologies
for both media and design.
depiction of reality and invoke aesthetical and
intellectual sensations. Elements of design refer
to what is available for the artist/designer or any
person willing to communicate visually, while
principles of design describe how the elements
could be used (Goldstein et al., 1986). Fine art,
functional (utilitarian) pictures, posters, com-
mercials, and all kinds of web productions are
evaluated in terms of the elements and principles
of design. These elements are known as the fun-
damentals for all works of art, because without
them, art could not be created. For example, one
may ask whether the sketched line (an element of
design), is repeated, applied with the use of sym-
metry, spiral or radial, is it black, or of any other
color. Also, they are applied for data presentation
in all branches of knowledge. In the same way,
basic kinds of picturing in art, such as still life,
portrait, landscape, and abstract obey the design
elements and principles. We usually refer color
and value, shape and form, space, line, and texture
to the design compositional elements. All of these
elements exist in the world around us in nature
and in the environments we create for ourselves.
Depending on the kind of an artwork and the
message it conveys, particular elements, associated
with the specific features to be exaggerated, take
over the overall composition. Contrasting colors,
distinctive types of line, and a bold use of space
are explicitly set forth in politically involved art
(such as election related posters), antiwar instal-
lations (such as messages displayed in public
places), or the religious art (such as Russian icons).
Furthermore, discourses, emotions, and artistic
presentations related to the American flag resulted
in a variety of the design solutions. Jasper Johns
created several works about the American flag,
such as his “Three Flags.” Big companies' logos
were displayed in the place of the flag stars during
anti-war manifestations. Some of the manifesta-
tions from the nineties included dramatic effects
of burning the flag.
Folk Art
Folk artists create things that please them and
fulfill their aesthetic needs, no matter what oth-
ers think or say. Many times, folk art is intensely
personal. Folk artists desire to make something
that will last, they want to be remembered and
loved for. Craft objects are often family oriented
and passed down from generation to generation.
They may be urban or rural in style. All kinds
of materials are used. Many folk artists have
no academic or professional training. Their art
is often direct and unassuming, decorative and
playful, uses interesting color combinations and
inventive shapes. It is often created to pass time
and relieve the feeling of isolation. Folk artists
often make well-crafted items.
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN IN ART
The skillful use of elements and principles of
design may enrich the work of art beyond just
