Printmaking
In the style of Islamic Geometric Art
The contributions of Islamic mathematicians and other scientists were
essential to the development of this unique form of art, and their ideas
and advanced technological knowledge are reflected in the mathematical
exactitude of Islamic geometric patterns.
Recent research has shown that mathematicians and artisans met on a regular
basis, accounting for the transmission of mathematical concepts
from theory to artistic practice.
Primary Characteristics of Islamic Geometric Decoration
Repetition and illusion of
infinity: Most patterns are
derived from a grid of
polygons such as equilateral
triangles, squares, or
hexagons.
Symmetry:
Symmetry is created in Islamic
geometric design through the
repetition and mirroring of one
or more basic design units—
usually shapes such as circles and
polygons.
Two-dimensionality:
Most Islamic geometric
design is two-dimensional.
Not only is it generally
applied to flat surfaces, but
the patterns themselves
rarely have shading or
background-foreground
distinction.
TESSELLATIONS – Math or Art?...or Both
A tessellation is created when a shape is repeated over and over again covering a
plane without any gaps or overlaps. Another word for tessellation is tiling.
Islamic Tile Tessellation
M.C. Escher
Islamic Patterns and Sacred
Geometry Video
The five plane geometrical shapes for
this floor are:
• A regular decagon
• an enlengthened hexagon
• an enlengthened hexagon
• a rombhus
• a regular pentagon
Carved Wood and Geometrical Drawings
The fascinating world of geometry of
tessellations, of coating the surface with a
plane geometrical figures that do not overlap
and do not leave blanks.
Quadrolegno Wood Floors
Printmaking Process
Printmaking Terms
• PRINTMAKING: The process of designing and producing prints using a printing block,
woodcut, etching, lithographic, or screenprinting.
•
BLOCK: a piece of thick, flat material, with a design on its surface, used to print
repeated impressions of that design.
• Brayer: A small, hand-held rubber roller used to spread printing ink evenly on a surface
before printing.
• BENCH HOOK: A metal or wooden plate with a raised edge on each end (opposite
sides) to hold a woodcut or linocut in place on a table while cutting.
• REGISTRATION Adjustment of separate plates, blocks, screens or paper in color
printing to ensure correct alignment of the colors.
•
PRINT The actual picture the artist makes from a printmaking process
• INK Coloring material composed of pigment (color) , a binder, and a vehicle. Ink is
usually thicker than most paints, and has a slower drying rate.
• RELIEF Printmaking technique in which the image is printed from a raised surface,
usually produced by cutting away non-image material.
Geometric Radial Design inspired by Islamic Art
You will design, carve and print a design that can be
joined together to create a repeating pattern.