Abstract

In our daily life, we encounter repetitive patterns in many places, from the natural world to manmade objects. Interesting echoes emerge, such as the relationship between the spiral chambers in seashells and spiral staircases. Seashell chambers grow in spirals starting from the center, with each chamber increasing in size over time. Past craftspeople observed this pattern and applied the form to vertical staircases. The repeated step in vertical alignment forming a spiral pattern is a very effective method of construction for limited space, particularly in tall, narrow buildings such as lighthouses. Repetitive patterns create an infinite feeling of progressive movement. When viewing a pattern from different perspectives, the evidence of how form grows can be observed. I also like to break down forms into their basic elements to better understand how they are created and how many differing elements are involved. My work inspires function leading to interaction between user and object. My forms are an exploration of linear, curvilinear, planar or volumetric configurations. I also study transitional patterns that shift from small to large or from short to long. In this vein of work, I created a coffee table, which experimented with rectangular frames repeated in horizontal alignment along a bending lamination curve. The result was a coffee table that found a good balance between the progressions of form while still serving its function. In the process, I found a way to explore better function and design to incorporate in the next piece. My goal is to create a body of work influenced by repetition from both natural phenomena and manmade objects, focusing on experimentation with different types of repetitive patterns and progressions. These pieces of furniture will represent a variety of dynamic forms with functional applications.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Furniture design--Themes, motives; Furniture design--Technique; Repetitive patterns (Decorative arts)

Publication Date

8-28-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School for American Crafts (CIAS)

Advisor

Tannen, Richard

Advisor/Committee Member

Buck, Andy

Advisor/Committee Member

Kronfield, Elizabeth

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works in January 2014. Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at NK2260 .W36 2013

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

WOOD-MFA

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