Principles of Art: Rhythm

Rhythm: The movement or variation characterized by the regular recurrence or alternation of different quantities or conditions. The pattern to which we arrange elements in a piece of art, whether it be notes in a song, footwork in a dance, lines in a painting, or words in a poem.

In everything there is a rhythm, an ebb and flow. From the breathes we take to the cycle of life. From the patterns on our clothes to the way we walk. Rhythm is felt in our core (not necessarily in our feet - I know plenty of people whose feet can't seem to pick up the rhythm in a dance).

Bruce Barton put it best: "Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living".

There are 3 types or ways to make rhythm: repetition, alternation and progression.

Repetition - Structured, Organized Repeats
A good example of this would be my day - get up shower, get dressed, go to work, work, come home, eat, sleep, repeat in the morning. (Okay my life is not quite that boring but sometimes it feels like it.)
Recent examples in the textile world are the chevron and ikat patterns.

 

Alternation - Repetition just slightly more complex

System of design created by alternately changing the elements of the design. Think pinstripes and zebra stripes. I think of this like my full week: work, work, work, work, Weekend!!!!, work, work work, work, Weekend!!!!

 

Progression - Suggests movement and sequence
You know like progress... I like progress - sometimes not the effort it takes to get to progress but the progress itself is fantastic.

So hold onto your hats this month we'll be discussing the rhythm of life, possibly how each of the rhythms techniques relate to life but definitely examples of rhythm in everyday life and finding the music in you!

BTW I have spelled rhythm wrong almost every time I have typed it out. Not sure who decided to spell it so weirdly but I am not impressed!