Piet Mondrian: 2-D and 3-D

The non- representational paintings created by Piet Mondrian are by far amongst my favorite works of art. His abstract designs are created solely by imaginative focus where as most designs are derived through natural objects. Mondrian’s two-dimensional canvases consist of three fundamentals, vertical lines, horizontal lines and colored or neutral rectangular shapes. Within his paintings Mondrian employs the same technical style consisting of the three primary hues red, yellow, and blue along with the three neutral shades black, grey, and white. By combining all of these elements Mondrian achieved stability and balance through defined placement of color, size, position, and grouping.

While Mondrian’s ability to create visually stimulating designs through perpendicular lines and rectangular shapes, his imaginative format indicates harmony and minimalism. Although Mondrian’s work was solely on canvas however other designers have taken this method of abstract art applying it to three-dimensional objects such as, architecture, fashion, and other types of design. In society we look for the new “it” item and as designers our objective is to produce stimulating essentials for the everyday consumer. By utilizing mesmerizing design one can reprocess similar configuration into different mediums, creating an everyday representation of art.

Focusing on Societies Demands

It’s too much, use less, and make it "new". When do we stop and how much is too much? As a designer we must keep this all in mind. We are here to provide for the society, they are the consumers. By being a designer our goal is to focus on the needs and wants of consumers. Because they are the target audience , it is the goal of the designer to create solutions to the world of design dilemmas. Being a designer does not mean that we are the only ones in control, guiding the society. The society also plays a large role in the process of design; they are the one that must respond to our product making it fully affective. Although elaborate decor and ornamental features were popular in previous decades, the modern era is upon us meaning minimalism and simplicity.

By living in a fast paced society surrounded by a world of technology we don’t take the time to appreciate elaborate and detailed designs. We live in a world of large businesses and advance manufacturing, allowing quick production in significant amounts of objects. Although we can not predict the future, our objective as designers is to provide for the society staying one step ahead.

Inspiration: Outside Themselves

Finding inspiration can be said to be found within ones self and the feelings that need to be released. But how does a creator find inspiration outside themselves? While living within a society geared towards the “IT” factor, inspiration outside ourselves can be found no where or around every corner. Its all about where we look and what engages our creative side. As we examine famous artist such as Andy Goldsworthy (above) who has drawn his inspiration from nature, it becomes apparent that his understanding of the beauty that is nature turns out to be pure genius. Although nature is a large inspiration on our society, other artists create just as appealing designs.
For example, in Joseph Cornell’s (left) box designs we are able to grasp the intuitive motivation within a space. By having the understanding that he is a pack rat, it is apparent that by keeping everything and anything is where his inspiration is derived from. Because inspiration varies from person to person, different items and things enlighten our thought process and interests. As designers it is our principle to think outside the box, grasping concepts outside the standard design. Although it might be more difficult to pin point where our inspiration comes from, eventually our designs strength of character will guide us on the path of inspiration outside ourselves.

The Thinking Process:

Being creative can sometimes be a difficult task. At times we just hit a wall and can’t get around it. Although the process of brainstorming seems so simple, we occasionally still don’t know where to begin, having an initial idea. But there are many different strategies that can be utilized to start the thinking process. While staring at a blank surface just draw whatever is on your mind, no matter what it is you can’t make a mistake. By doing this we are releasing our inner self’s, expressing our emotion, thoughts, and unpredictability. Keep in mind it’s meant to be a brainstorm not a master piece. Another brainstorming option is to randomly choose a word out of the dictionary and express it within a design. Because our minds are being engaged to create something from a single randomly chosen word we are instinctively bringing a new life to its meaning.

Thinking in unusual challenging ways we can express creative designs throughout time. Because our minds can never be placed on pause jumping from idea to idea it is sometimes hard to focus. As techniques such as these help direct our minds around the wall we shouldn’t have to illustrate blank portraits.

What is New is Old

Where do designs originate? While the definition of design can be found in any dictionary, it does not fully explain the whole meaning of where design came from. In the reading, The Etymology of Design: Pre- Socratic Perspective, by Kostas Terzidis gives in full detail about the term design. Terzidis explains to us that, “design is about something we once had, but have no longer.” Although, we as creators generate new ideas this statement is quite true. An idea cannot be generated out of nothing they can be created by impressions, inspirations, and even concepts. But all designs are just a reinvention of older ones, creating a new fresh appearance on the world. Our past can never be erased there will always be something there to remind us of it. There are caves with chalk drawings, floor layouts of ruined temples, and old pottery, all from the past. These items are the history and the past of design. Although there is know way to learn the exact beginning of all creations we do know that our ideas are derived from past designs. It is our nature to perceive old designs generating them into new one, taking what we know and applying it to benefit our lifestyle. While our society grows and advances, new ideas are always desired but what we need to understand is that new is old. Meanwhile what was once old will one day be new and what is new will perceived as old, creating a circle of creations.