M.C ESCHER: A mathematician artist

“Althoug I am absolute innocent of training or knownledge in the exact sciences, I often seen to have more in common with mathematicians than with my fellow artists” (M.C Escher, 1967)

 

Brief Biography:

Maurits Cornelis Escher (17 June 1898 – 27 March 1972), usually referred to as M. C. Escher, was a Dutch graphic artist. He is known for his often mathematically inspired woodcuts, lithographs, and mezzotints. These feature impossible constructions, explorations of infinity, architecture, and tesellations.

He was a sickly child, and was placed in a special school at the age of seven and failed the second grade.] Although he excelled at drawing, his grades were generally poor. He also took and piano lessons until he was thirteen years old. In 1919,Escher attended the Haarlem School of Architecture and Decorative Arts in Haarlem. He briefly studied architecture, but he failed a number of subjects (partly due to a persistent skin infection) and switched to decorative arts

M.C. Escher became fascinated by the regular Division of the Plane, when he first visited the Alhambra, in 1922.The intricate decorative designs at the Alhambra, which were based on geometrical symmetries featuring interlocking repetitive patterns sculpted into the stone walls and ceilings, were a powerful influence on Escher's works.

Some examples:
 

Watch the following video:"Escher and the Alhambra"

                                 

Task 4: "Create your own tessellation"

Watch the following videos: 

Now is your turn to demonstrate your artistic skills.

You must create your own tessellation by using the techniques showed in the videos (and your imagination).

Assigment:

• Create a pattern design based on a tesselation. Start with creating a tesselation shape using the “translation pattern”  
  
• Your tessellation can be either a recognizable or  abstract object (animals, birds, insects, fish, etc.) You can find some inspirating ideas here.
  
• Trace your tessellation onto a drawing paper. Draw the details inside each tessellation
  
• Use Prismacolor pencils to complete the tessellations. Each shape should be different inside use different color schemes, designs, details, etc. Apply the coloring technique that would incorporate different shades of a color, color gradations, blending the colors. Color with short strokes!!!
  
• Size: A4 (el tamaño de un folio normal)
  
  
  Note: You must explain how to construct the basic tile (tesela) step by step (just write it down or use a presentation in any format (ppt, prezi, video... You are free to decide!). Once you had finished, take a picture of your masterpiece and upload it to your blog. (Remember to write an introduction). 
  
  
  Deadline: Monday, 7th  april