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The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry
Is design intuitive or is it consciously and methodically worked out? Are there basic rules governing design that, when learned, will facilitate the creative process? These questions have been asked by artists, art historians, and art critics throughout the ages.
Convinced that design was not purely instinctive, Jay Hambidge (1867–1924) spent much of his life searching for the technical bases of design. He found his answer in dynamic symmetry, one of the most provocative and stimulating theories in art history. Hambidge's study of Greek art convinced him that the secret of the beauty of Greek design was in the conscious use of dynamic symmetry — the law of natural design based upon the symmetry of growth in man and in plants. But Hambidge, who was not only a theoretician but also a practicing artist, did much more than analyze classical art and its principles of design: he worked out a series of root rectangles that the artist, using the simple mathematics supplied in this book, can easily follow and apply in his own work.
Originally published as a series of lessons in Hambidge's magazine, The Diagonal, this engrossing book explains all the basic principles of dynamic symmetry. Part I sets forth the fundamental rectangles with their simple divisions based on the proportioning law found in nature; Part II explains compound rectangles, many of which were taken from or suggested by analysis of objects of Greek art.
Whether read for its historical importance in art theory, for its illuminating insights into Greek art, or for its practical value to today's artists and commercial designers, The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry has much to offer anyone who is interested in the principle of design.
Convinced that design was not purely instinctive, Jay Hambidge (1867–1924) spent much of his life searching for the technical bases of design. He found his answer in dynamic symmetry, one of the most provocative and stimulating theories in art history. Hambidge's study of Greek art convinced him that the secret of the beauty of Greek design was in the conscious use of dynamic symmetry — the law of natural design based upon the symmetry of growth in man and in plants. But Hambidge, who was not only a theoretician but also a practicing artist, did much more than analyze classical art and its principles of design: he worked out a series of root rectangles that the artist, using the simple mathematics supplied in this book, can easily follow and apply in his own work.
Originally published as a series of lessons in Hambidge's magazine, The Diagonal, this engrossing book explains all the basic principles of dynamic symmetry. Part I sets forth the fundamental rectangles with their simple divisions based on the proportioning law found in nature; Part II explains compound rectangles, many of which were taken from or suggested by analysis of objects of Greek art.
Whether read for its historical importance in art theory, for its illuminating insights into Greek art, or for its practical value to today's artists and commercial designers, The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry has much to offer anyone who is interested in the principle of design.
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1967
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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April 28, 2009All the human beings did aesthetically can be divided by two big resourses: human body and growing plants. Looks easy? And it is! And when you think maths can difficult the reading, that's not true, cuz the book are classes guttered together, so all becomes drawing lesson-like and fluent.
February 13, 2012
Interesting, from a standpoint of fractels in nature.
September 18, 2017
Comprehensive if somewhat mind numbing.
March 18, 2022
Significantly too technical for my purposes but an interesting and comprehensive dissection of the mathematics behind dynamic symmetry.
January 26, 2024
Gives a good orientation on mathematical basis. For me, it has been rather dry, but maybe some enjoy it and find enlightenment this way.
November 25, 2013
I am struggling with this book. The information is potentially very useful to me as an artist, but the terminology is dense, and I am not very savvy in terms of math or complex geometry. That makes it very slow going. Luckily there is a glossary!
April 11, 2016
A must if you are into art, design, photography, etc. The book itself is quite technical but the content, when applied to your discipline, opens doors in dramatic ways.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews