Weaving, Stacking, and Staining: Jonathan Brilliant

Featured Lesson Plan: Introduction to Notan by Lauren Bates

Nolan Collages- Asymetrical and Symmetrical Balance: Introduction to Notan, the Japanese word for the interaction between dark and light. Creating a black and white collage out of a simple square, and learning about positive and negative space.

Western culture tends to emphasize the positive aspect of design, with less emphasis on the negative (background) space. The Eastern culture from which NOTAN arose, seeks a more balanced view of the world, and of design as it relates to the world. The classic yin/yang symbol that we all know is a reflection of this desire for balance.

This lesson is geared towards Grade 8, but can be adapted to other levels. Students will create a piece of art that shows the interaction between dark and light, positive and negative shapes, and asymetrical and symmetrical balance. Click here for the full lesson plan and check out the accompanying PowerPoint presentation too!

Lesson Objectives:
1. To learn about Notan.
2. To learn about positive and negative space.
3. To use a simple square and all the negative cuttings to create a collage, which will inspire a mask.
4. To understand about symmetry and asymmetry, and the Principle of Design, Balance.
5. To understand the Elements of Art: Space and Shape (Positive and Negative).

 

Jonathan Brilliant Exhibit opens Thursday

Come join us for the opening reception of Jonathan Brilliant's exhibit Weaving, Stacking and Staining on Thursday, January 19th. The reception is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the exhibit will be on display until February 17.

Brilliant has been onsite in Conway for several days actively working on his installation in the Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery at Coastal Carolina University. He also found the time to talk with some students from Ocean Bay Elementary School, check out the pictures below. It has been exciting to see Brilliant's work take shape, you won't want to miss this show! You can find more information, videos, pictures and Brilliant's own blog at jonathanbrilliant.com.

"Central to all my work is an interest in patterning and mark-making fused with the use of pre- and post-consumer manufactured materials and the use of rhythm and repetition to create installations, objects, and works on paper. Running through my work is a real enthusiasm for the inherent qualities of a material and the extent to which I can exploit it for making art. Rather than relying solely on intuitive approaches I have a set of systems I apply to the materials at hand. These systems include, but are not limited to: weaving, welding, stacking, arranging, drumming, beating, rusting, drawing, photographing, looking at, and thinking about."

-jonathanbrilliant.com