Lesson video

Hello, my name is Ms. Badru.

I hope that you are all doing well.

I'm really looking forward to teaching and learning with you today.

Our learning outcome for this lesson is I can experiment using pattern in new and exciting ways.

Our key keywords for this lesson are pattern and visual language.

Let's look at each keyword in turn and find out what they mean.

Pattern, a repeated design or arrangement of shapes, colours, or lines.

Visual language, how artists use elements like colour, shape and pattern to communicate ideas and emotions.

Our lesson outline focuses on pattern, so let's begin with our first learning cycle, explore how pattern helps create visual language.

Possible outcomes for today might include.

Pause for a moment here and jot down some quick observations about each image in turn.

What do you see? What initial ideas do you have around pattern? What are the similarities and differences? And how are the formal elements of art and design employed in each of these images? Resume when you are ready.

Okay, let's continue our journey with our focus on exploring how pattern helps create visual language.

Can you think of any local art, craft or design that uses bold patterns? How can we use pattern as part of our shared visual language? So pause for a moment here and think about these two questions.

Make a note of your answer and we will resume shortly.

Pattern refers to the repetition of visual elements such as shapes, lines, colours or textures.

Let's take a quick look at the image of the patchwork.

What can you see? What can you observe in terms of the visual elements? What shapes have been employed or what repetitions can you notice? We can create regular patterns with a predictable, uniform repetition.

Regular patterns are often symmetrical.

Can you notice this in the image? Just pause here for a few seconds and make a few notes about what you observe from this image around pattern.

We can create irregular patterns with variation or randomness.

Irregular patterns use asymmetry.

Let's have a check in here for understanding.

True or false, patterns are always repetitive and symmetrical? What do you think the answer is true or false, and why? So pause for a moment here and think about this statement and we'll come together again shortly.

What do you think the answer was? The answer is false.

And why might this be? Patterns can be irregular or asymmetrical depending on the design.

Let's continue our journey exploring pattern.

The human brain is naturally drawn to patterns.

Patterns help us direct what's next in a sequence.

This is helpful to our brain as we can: save cognitive thinking energy, remember things more easily, feel good when we figure out a pattern.

In art, patterns can make your work more engaging.

Repeated motifs can enhance an artwork, giving it a richer, more complex appearance.

How has this photographer captured patterns? Pause for a moment here and think about this question.

So according to Lucas, "They have contrasted shapes and patterns.

The rectangular wood versus the round stone." What else can you observe from this image? Can you see the variation in texture and shape? Okay, let's continue our journey exploring pattern and visual language.

What might have captured the photographer's eye and drawn them to take this image? Pause briefly for a moment here and write down your initial observations.

What are your thoughts and ideas around pattern? What can you see from the image? And we'll resume when you are ready.

What did you come up with? Sophia says, "The intricate patterned tiles? There are small blue and white tiles in a star-like design and larger blue squares with wavy patterns to create contrast.

The window reflects and distorts nearby structures.

It's a visually intriguing blend of art and architecture." Let's have a check-in here for understanding with the following question, which artworks contain regular repeat patterns? Is it A, B or C? So pause for a moment here and study these images and then think about your answer.

Resume when you are ready.

Okay, let's resume.

And the answers were A and C.

Why do you think this is? A and C have regular repeat patterns.

B does have patterns, but these don't repeat in a predictable, regular way.

Are you able to make this observation for yourself? Patterns can help us create implied texture.

What textual words could you use to describe these patterns? Pause for a moment here and think about this question.

Make a note of your answer.

Okay, let's continue.

Sofia says, "Some are spiky; others are flowing or maybe hairy.

They remind me of coral!" Saying something reminds you of something is an association with the visual language.

Many patterns have historical or cultural significance, allowing artists to connect with traditions or convey ideas.

Which cultures or traditions might you associate with these patterns? Pause for a moment here and have a little think about it.

Just jot down some quick answers and we'll resume shortly.

Okay, let's continue.

So we have Afghan carpets in first image, Scottish tartan, Kashmiri Boteh, or Paisley patterns, and finally, Islamic patterns.

What traditional patterns have you seen in your community? Pause here for a moment and have a think about this question and we'll resume again shortly.

Let's continue our journey.

Artists use patterns with strong visual associations to convey their ideas.

Let's take a look.

Yinka Shonibare uses pattern Dutch wax fabric, which was made in the Netherlands, but became popular in Africa during colonialism.

By using these fabrics, he questions Western ideas of what's authentic, flips historical stories on their head, and celebrates the complex identities of African communities.

Anni Albers turned traditional textile patterns into abstract, modernist designs.

She played with geometric shapes, breaking the idea that textiles were just functional or decorative.

By treating weaving as fine art, she challenged how people saw and valued textile art.

Okay, let's have a check in here for understanding.

True or false, patterns don't help us communicate but they look good and create contrast in our work? Do you think that this statement is true or false? Pause here for a moment and think about your answer and we will resume together shortly.

Okay, what do you think the answer is? Let's take a look.

And the answer is false.

And why might this be? Patterns communicate as part of our visual language, we can use them to create associations.

Patterns create a sense of rhythm and movement, drawing the viewer's eyes across the artwork.

Can you describe how pattern creates a rhythm or visual beat here? So pause for a moment and think about this question.

Write down some of your own ideas and we'll come together again shortly.

What did you come up with? So Andeep says, "The white ovals guide the eye smoothly, while the overlapping dark spots add movement and depth.

The design feels lively and dynamic." Patterns can also create a feeling of order.

They can give your design structure.

How could you make this design more chaotic? Pause for a moment here and jot down some quick ideas.

How could you achieve this? So Andeep says, "I would remove the balance and symmetry.

If we made it more random and irregular, the curving organic forms would look more chaotic and unpredictable." Examples of artists exploring pattern in their work include: Zanele Muholi uses striking patterns to highlight the intricate details of Black LGBTQ+ identities, through clothing, hairstyles and adornments.

Haley Williams Hindle created vibrant reflected patterns from her layered work "A Portrait of the Brain," to convey the brain's complexity.

Roshini Kempadoo uses layers of photographs and found patterns in her series "Ghosting" to connect with memory and culture.

Imran Qureshi uses intricate patterns from Mughal miniatures into his art, creating a dialogue between the traditional and the modern.

Piet Mondrian used abstract geometric grids and primary colours.

Emilio Pucci is known for his bold, psychedelic patterns in fashion.

Okay, let's bring our focus together on Task A as we continue to explore how pattern helps create visual language.

So find an example of pattern in an artwork and discuss how the pattern contributes to the visual language.

Okay, let's bring our attention and focus to Task A as we continue to explore how pattern helps create visual language.

Find an example of pattern in an artwork and discuss how the pattern contributes to the visual language.

You could use examples from the lesson, art you've seen in person, work in the classroom, or from books or the internet.

Consider if and how the pattern: creates intrigue or interest, creates contrast, creates order or structure, creates rhythm or movement, communicates ideas, associations or feelings.

Pause the video here to complete this practical task and resume when you are ready.

Okay, let's continue and resume with feedback.

You were tasked to find an example of pattern in an artwork and discuss how the pattern contributes to the visual language.

Sofia says in response to this pattern, "The pattern in this abstract design is irregular and made of organic shapes.

Colours are repeated, creating a rhythm and flowing movement.

It feels hypnotic and distorted." So let's continue our journey of exploration around pattern and visual language and focus on our next learning cycle, which is experiment with pattern to create exciting artwork.

The pupils are thinking about where they can find patterns as visual stimuli.

Let's take a look.

"I could use my own motif to create a pattern." "I could take photographs of patterns in the environment as primary sources." "I could review my work to select and explore patterns already present." Andeep is reviewing his photos for existing patterns.

Let's take a look.

"I've found lots of great sources of human-made and natural pattern in my photography," says Andeep.

Where can you find patterns in your source images? So think about this question as you go through your work.

Let's have a check in here for understanding.

True or false, patterns are only found in human-made objects like buildings or textiles? Is this statement true or false? What do you think the answer is? Pause here for a moment and we'll come together again shortly.

Okay, so what do you think the answer is and why? Let's take a look.

The answer is false.

And why do you think this might be? Patterns can be found in both human-made objects, e.

g.

architecture, fabrics, and natural elements such as leaves, waves, animal fur.

Jun is making tools to create patterns he prepares.

Found materials tied to sticks as brushes for inks, a poly block for printing patterns, stencils for rubbings, paintings or spray paint.

"These tools will help me repeat shapes and motifs in my work." What tools could you use to make patterns in your work? Pause for a moment here and think about what tools and materials you have access to or what are available to you.

Can you create your own? Or do you have existing skills with other techniques such as lino printing, monoprinting? Spend some time thinking about your response to this question.

Aisha is working with clay to create surface patterns.

She explores stamping found materials, building relief surfaces, carving into a coloured surface layer to create sgraffito.

"Because it's all one colour, the patterns feel really important," says Aisha.

What materials could you use to make pattern? Are there any materials that you can create to make your own printing block? How would this work in low relief? What experiments could you undertake to create and make pattern? So pause for a moment here and think about your response to this question.

Izzy reviews her work and her research to find motifs.

This planting pattern is interesting.

A boring shape on its own but good for repeat? I want to make associations with these patterns.

"I've got some motifs and patterns from my work so far, and some inspiration from traditional cloth." What interesting visual motifs feature in your work? So pause for a moment here and review your own work and your own resources.

What motifs can you find? Resume when you are ready.

Izzy creates her artwork using motifs and patterns from her research.

Let's take a look.

"I think my work feels quite surreal because it's full of contrast.

I like the mix of formal geometric shapes and the organic food shapes.

The red and green colours contrast nicely, making the peppers leap out.

I altered the sizes to create depth too." Let's have a check-in here for understanding.

Which example describes a regular pattern made of organic shapes? Is it A, A painting of grass and wild flowers moving in the wind, B, a digital photograph of a rough stone wall covered in moss, C, a fabric design containing repeating rows of a leaf motif.

Pause for a moment here and think about your answer and we'll resume together shortly.

Okay, what do you think? Let's take a look.

The answer is C, a fabric design containing repeating rows of a leaf motif.

Let's bring our attention and focus to Task B as we continue to experiment with pattern to create exciting artwork.

Number one, review your theme, source and the materials available to you.

What ideas do you have? And number two, share your work so far and discuss how to develop your ideas.

Pause the video here for a moment to undertake this practical task and we'll resume when you are ready.

Okay, let's focus now on some potential feedback.

So you were tasked to review your theme source and materials available to you.

What ideas do you have? Aisha says, "My primary source photos have some lovely patterns, and I'm interested in patterns from my heritage too." Andeep says, "I found a great pattern in one of my photos that I'll scale up and try to recreate in lino." For the second part of the task, you were asked to share your work so far and discuss how to develop your ideas.

You might discuss something like, "I thought I could use my LEGO block motif to create a repeat pattern design," says Laura.

"Good idea, but what for? If you thought about the target audience or client or had a brief in mind, you might be better able to express ideas using visual language," comments Lucas.

And Laura says, "Yes, if I made a pattern for wrapping paper, if it was for a child, it might be very different than if it were for my grandma!" Okay, let's continue.

Task 3A, experiment with your materials to explore how you can make and use patterns in your work.

You could: produce thumbnail experiments in your sketchbook, produce design drawings, draw or create a photo shoot or shoot plan, make maquettes or small models, test material combinations and evaluate them, work digitally.

And section B, reflect on your work.

So pause the video here to complete this practical task and resume when you are ready.

Okay, let's come together for feedback.

You might have made something like this.

So the first image shows the source image for the pattern, the visual stimuli, the point of focus, and the second image shows the reductive linocut print pattern.

Observe each one carefully and see what similarities and differences you can see, and how the design has evolved and developed from the main source image.

Let's see what Andeep has to say.

"I'm pleased with the pattern and balance of light and dark in my lino print.

It doesn't have a lot of associations or symbols though.

I might come back to this composition later on in my work as part of my background or a decorative feature.

I'm not sure I have the composition balancing yet." You might have made something like this and said, "I selected materials for a quilt using patterns to create an exciting design.

I considered the placement of each colour and pattern carefully to create rhythm and balance.

I don't want it to look chaotic, just busy and lively," says Alex.

Have now arrived at our summary on pattern.

Let's take a look.

Patterns create a sense of rhythm and movement, drawing the viewer's eye across the artwork.

Repeated motifs can enhance the quality of an artwork, giving it a more complex appearance.

Many patterns have historical or cultural significance, allowing artists to connect with traditions or convey specific narratives and associations.

Patterns contribute to your visual language and can evoke feelings or memories, influencing how a viewer interacts with the piece.

I hope you've enjoyed this lesson.

I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Take care, and bye for now.