Materials and Process

• Computer with monitor
• Digital imaging
• Adobe Illustrator cs

1. I first created the sides of the frieze using the fundamental design unit that is found in my infinitely repeating pattern. Then I reflected this unit vertically and horizontally.
2. Then I created a new design element, which is spherical, and placed it between pairs of the base unit.
3. I changed the blue ovals in my duplicate set to yellow to create an interesting contrast.
4. I then created a blue hexagon outlined in the same intense yellow as the ovals beneath the fundamental design unit that is repeated.
5. I then duplicated the set on the other side of the hexagon.
6. To mark the corners on my frieze, I created two neon green diamonds outlined in the same blue as the original ovals.
7. Next, I duplicated that side to create the right side.
8. To create the top and bottom portion of my frieze, I started with two long bars and then created two squares with rounded corners with a circle on the inside.
9. After that I created a blue oval and placed it within the center of the two squares with space on each side.

Artist's Narrative

I decided to create my frieze in a digital format; I knew I wanted the frieze to look slightly complicated but actually remain simple. The whole feeling and theme behind this piece was just an extension of the aesthetic that I used in the creation of the fundamental design unit.

Teacher's Comment

This practicum approaches the complexities one often finds in Islamic book illustration, particularly those associated with the Qur'an. Although sometimes showing more curvilinear floral designs, Qur'anic illumination traditionally would be executed using metal pens (steel or brass)and brushes, with ink, and different colored pigments bound with an adhesive, and gold leaf or gold powder. The Arabic calligraphy would be executed using reed pens with ink. For a frontispiece, typically there would be a central figure with surrounding border, often incorporating geometric patterns.