PrintmakingIn the style of Islamic Geometric Art

The contributions of Islamic mathematicians and other scientists wereessential to the development of this unique form of art, and their ideas

and advanced technological knowledge are reflected in the mathematicalexactitude of Islamic geometric patterns.

Recent research has shown that mathematicians and artisans met on a regular basis, accounting for the transmission of mathematical concepts

from theory to artistic practice.

Primary Characteristics of Islamic Geometric Decoration

Repetition and illusion of infinity: Most patterns are derived from a grid of polygons such as equilateraltriangles, squares, or hexagons.

Symmetry: Symmetry is created in Islamic geometric design through the repetition and mirroring of one or more basic design units—usually shapes such as circles and polygons.

Two-dimensionality: Most Islamic geometric design is two-dimensional. Not only is it generally applied to flat surfaces, but the patterns themselves rarely have shading or background-foreground distinction.

TESSELLATIONS – Math or Art?...or BothA tessellation is created when a shape is repeated over and over again covering a

plane without any gaps or overlaps. Another word for tessellation is tiling.

M.C. Escher

Islamic Tile Tessellation

Islamic Patterns and Sacred Geometry Video

The five plane geometrical shapes for this floor are:• A regular decagon• an enlengthened hexagon• an enlengthened hexagon• a rombhus• a regular pentagon

Carved Wood and Geometrical DrawingsThe fascinating world of geometry of

tessellations, of coating the surface with a plane geometrical figures that do not overlap

and do not leave blanks.

Quadrolegno Wood Floors

Printmaking Process

• PRINTMAKING: The process of designing and producing prints using a printing block, woodcut, etching, lithographic, or screenprinting.

•BLOCK: a piece of thick, flat material, with a design on its surface, used to print repeated impressions of that design.

• Brayer: A small, hand-held rubber roller used to spread printing ink evenly on a surface before printing.

• BENCH HOOK: A metal or wooden plate with a raised edge on each end (opposite sides) to hold a woodcut or linocut in place on a table while cutting.

• REGISTRATION Adjustment of separate plates, blocks, screens or paper in color printing to ensure correct alignment of the colors.

•PRINT The actual picture the artist makes from a printmaking process

• INK Coloring material composed of pigment (color) , a binder, and a vehicle. Ink is usually thicker than most paints, and has a slower drying rate.

• RELIEF Printmaking technique in which the image is printed from a raised surface, usually produced by cutting away non-image material.

Printmaking Terms

Geometric Radial Design inspired by Islamic ArtYou will design, carve and print a design that can be

joined together to create a repeating pattern.