The Order of Nature: Geometry and Patterns

Subject
Geometry
Location
The Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts China Centre
Dates
2018.10.22 - 2018.11.2
Tutor
Defina Bottesini
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This module will encourage students to contemplate Geometry’s true inherent meaning in the realm of the order of nature. Students will experience geometry as a contemplative discipline. The skill of concentration, which draws forth the virtue of patience, is required throughout their whole studies. Students will deepen their knowledge of design principles by studying patterns and proportions of six-, eight-, twelve- and ten-fold symmetries and their associated proportional systems. Students will also be able to analyse these patterns in the context of artistic and architectural elements. These designs will then be applied into a variety of art and craft modules. 

  • Understand the status of geometry as a universal science in Traditional Art and Architecture. 
  • Learn terminologies, concepts and symbolism inherent in geometry. 
  • Develop a subtle understanding symmetries 
  • Develop excellent geometrical drawing techniques 
  • Apply a design in the context of themed projects. 
  • Use geometry as a tool for design analysis and a method to transfer designs for craft-work at the correct scale.

Tutor biography

Defina Bottesini

Delfina Bottesini is Outreach & Open Programme Manager at The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London. She is a practicing artist, designer and photographer. She has been working for the School of Traditional Arts as teacher since 2002 and as manager since the establishment of the Schools’ Outreach Programme in 2005. As Outreach Programme Manager, Delfina is responsible for national and international projects, including three of the School’s international centers – Cairo, Jeddah and Suzhou.

Her artistic practice includes painting, ceramics, design and photography. Delfina’s work reflects her particular interest in geometry and the traditional arts of the world. She creates handmade ceramic tiles that tessellate into geometric patterns which draw direct inspiration from the beautiful geometries found within various parts of the Islamic World. Her work includes commissions for interiors for private houses as well as gardens, often allowing her to work in partnership with garden designers and architects. Her painting work is concerned with archetypal images that are shared by different traditions including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and Taoism. She enjoys working with images and ideas that cross cultural boundaries and refer the viewer back to the universal language of beauty which is shared and is always accessible to all people.