Product Detail
Notan, a Japanese term meaning dark - light, serves as a cornerstone in Eastern art and design. It emphasizes the dynamic interaction between positive and negative space, much like the ancient Yang and Yin symbolism. When introduced to the West, Notan - related exercises have brought about remarkable outcomes across all areas of Western art and design. This book, crafted by two American artist - teachers who delved deep into Notan, was the first fundamental guide on this topic in the West and still stands as a leading reference. Through straightforward exercises, it makes Notan's amazing creative potential accessible to Western artists and designers. The authors clearly show Notan's practical uses in six challenges of increasing difficulty. These creative tasks will captivate artists and designers at all skill levels. Alongside these exercises, the book is filled with illustrations of the Notan principle, including works as diverse as a David Smith sculpture, Samoan tapa cloth, a Museum of Modern Art shopping bag, New England gravestone rubbings, Japanese wrapping paper, a Robert Motherwell painting, a psychedelic poster, and a carved and dyed Nigerian calabash. Painters, sculptors, potters, jewelry and textile designers, architects, and interior designers will all find in these pages an age - old composition principle that offers a fresh take on creative challenges. This is a reprint of the 1968 Reinhold Book Company, New York edition.
To use this book, start by going through the simple exercises one by one. Each exercise is designed to gradually introduce you to the Notan principle. As you work on them, try to apply what you learn to your own projects. Don't worry if you don't get it right away; just keep practicing. When looking at the illustrations, take your time to study how the Notan principle is applied in different art forms. Notice the contrast between positive and negative space. There aren't many special precautions for using this book. Just keep it in a dry place to prevent damage. If you want to keep it in good condition, avoid folding the pages or spilling anything on it. You can use a bookmark to keep your place and refer back to the exercises and illustrations as needed. Enjoy exploring the world of Notan through this book and let it inspire your creativity.
