Creating patters was a somewhat meditative exercise. It allowed our creativity  to take control of what was being made without any restrictions.

I began by playing around with circles and adding more linear geometric shapes to the mix. By doing so, I unconsiously created even more circles. This was an exciting surprise during the time of process because it allowed me to create more options when color was later added.

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Schedule
* Lecture by Tom Ockerse in auditorium
* Introductions, review syllabus
* Examples of systems

For next week
Pattern-making: Black and White
A pattern is the simplest example of a system.
It is a single form made the ordered combination of a single part. The below exercise has been a staple in Tom Ockerse’s class for years. It appears virtually unadapted below.

Begin by designing a module as the unit (part) for a pattern (whole). The module must be square module and divided (about equally) in black and white. Keep the design simple. The beauty will emerge from what you do with it! Repeat this module into a square grid of 6×6,to create a pattern.
Create at least 8 different patterns. Vary the systems to pattern the units in that grid (keep track of the system used). For example, rotation, inversion, and flipping. Consider and try as many variables as possible.

After working with this squared grid, you may experiment with (systemic) grid shifts (offsetting verticals, horizontals, or angles), but always retaining a solid field (to avoid introducing other shapes).

Bring at least 8 final compositions to class next week selected for their diversity, dynamic interest, and comparative uniqueness. For presentations print each pattern on a sheet no larger than 8.5×11, trimming out any extra white space. On the back, note how you arrived at the pattern.

Pattern-making: Color
Substitute black and white parts with colors in order to create new relationships. Do not change the module or base pattern, only how parts within that field coordinate. The intention of the exercise is for you to find new ways of organizing the same material – to alter the existing relationships to reveal others. Create 8 color pieces from any of the black and white patterns from part one.

Pattern-making: Combination/Subtraction
Working with either the black and white or color patterns, combine a complete pattern with another. Think of whole patterns as single parts, and your new composition as a new piece made from those parts. You may subtract one pattern from the other. You may find it is easier to work in Photoshop for this phase. Produce two pieces at whatever size you feel appropriate. Trim off excess white space.

Reading

Read the first 25 pages of the reading for unit one (pdf ). Pages 26–31 are optional, but interesting. Consider the definitions and examples offered for the word ‘system’. After completing the reading, observe your surroundings and find a system at work.

Try to answer these questions: What is the system? What are the parts of the system? Is the system at equilibrium? Can the system be expanded or contracted into other systems? How was the system generated and what keeps it going?

Objectives:
* To create a singular whole from a series of parts
* To better grasp how system is defined and is at work everywhere

Next week’s class
Meet in the auditorium at 11:20a for the lecture