Notan Project
In my Design Thinking class, I was tasked with creating a notan for this project that evokes amazement through appealing composition, creative symmetry, unusual shape combinations, and clever artistic decisions. Japanese word notan, which translates to "bright and dark," is an attempted technique to consider compositional balance.
We had to create this particular artwork using only black square paper and an Exacto knife.
Brainstorming
The first step was to make a list of 20 ideas and put a star next to four of them that we liked. Then, we used those concepts to create two thumbnails for each, completing eight thumbnails. These thumbnails were sketched in squares measuring 2.5" by 2.5," and for the final, we chose our best idea.
My favorite ideas were sunrise in Arizona, a woman with flowers, fish in space, eyes and shapes.
Sketches
Here I'm presenting some of my ideas.
Final Notan Project
For the final Notan design I choose the Sunrise in Arizona idea creating contrast and pattern between the positive and negative shapes. I include elements like cacti, stars, clouds, mountains, and the sun to make an interesting Notan.
I used black construction paper, an X-acto knife to cut the design out and glue the pieces on he Bristol board.
