Arts Explorer #4: Looking for Patterns in Urban Settings & Nature
PATTERNS.patterns.PATTERNS.patterns. A pattern relies on the composition of a surface including repetition and organization of various textures, symbols, lines and colours (Shirrmacher & Fox, 2009, p. 142). Right from birth we are exposed to patterns in our every day settings, whether it is the fence in your own backyard, the railroad tracks, or the fur on your pet dog. However, when an assignment asks us to reveal some every day patterns we see, it becomes very difficult.
When I first started thinking about this task, I knew I did not want to document the typical stripes or shapes which follow symmetrical designs that are ingrained into our mind as a pattern. Commuting to school every day gave me the chance to observe the urban setting around me, but I was still stuck. To be honest, I did not know what to even look for. Then, one night I was cleaning up my computer, and came across my Pittsburgh trip photos. It stared me blindly in the eye... the various murals that were painted on old buildings in downtown Pittsburgh. This painting captured my attention and exposed a pattern so unique and different. A couple of weeks ago, I made a trip down from Mississauga to my friends house near Bathurst and Glencarin. On my travels, I came across several other murals painted on the walls of Toronto. This shows that without even thinking, we pass by patterns every day. Now that I let my imagination run wild, I am spotting many patterns within my urban setting.
When I first started thinking about this task, I knew I did not want to document the typical stripes or shapes which follow symmetrical designs that are ingrained into our mind as a pattern. Commuting to school every day gave me the chance to observe the urban setting around me, but I was still stuck. To be honest, I did not know what to even look for. Then, one night I was cleaning up my computer, and came across my Pittsburgh trip photos. It stared me blindly in the eye... the various murals that were painted on old buildings in downtown Pittsburgh. This painting captured my attention and exposed a pattern so unique and different. A couple of weeks ago, I made a trip down from Mississauga to my friends house near Bathurst and Glencarin. On my travels, I came across several other murals painted on the walls of Toronto. This shows that without even thinking, we pass by patterns every day. Now that I let my imagination run wild, I am spotting many patterns within my urban setting.
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| I wonder if the artist has meaning behind the colours, shapes, and lines used? (I took this picture through the tour bus window, august 2010) |
A pattern does not have to be fancy or full of intricate detail, it can be simple and plain. Creating patterns has no lid, the possibilities are endless. As an early childhood educator it is imperative to understand how patterns can facilitate children’s learning. Patterning skills can be present in children’s creative work, but also in areas of math and reading (Shirrmacher & Fox, 2009, p. 142). When children and educators are able to recognize patterns in their art work, math skills and movement abilities, ultimately they will be able to better understand the environment around them.
References
Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J. E. (2009). Art & Creative Development for Young Children (6 ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar.
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