Modules (or motifs - pronounced "mo TEEFS")- are small interchangeable
identical or similar units employed to create a larger structure. Although
it is a humble material, the potato will be our medium. Cut one in
half being careful to achieve a flat planar surface. Remove part
of the surface so that the remaining area prints an abstract geometric
image. Use acrylic paint with a little pancake syrup added as the ink.
("ink" is anything used to print.) Print your motif and then surround
it with itself in such a way that it "captures" the white of the paper
in small closed shapes between the motifs. Continue this in a regular
fashion until you have a square of 5 by 5 (25) motifs. Repeat this
5 times orienting the motifs differently relative to each other each time.
Above
are two patterns made with the same motif (below).
Create another, different motif with the other half of your potato.
make 5 squares of 25 with this new motif. Create 3 more motifs with 1 and
1/2 potatoes. Print up 15 more squares. Rank the motifs according
to ease with which they generate attractive patterns. Analyze the
properties of the more interesting motifs.
Make additional designs using multiple motifs and various colors.
Above
are two patterns made with the same motif (below).
