As a guiding principle of Eastern art and design; Notan (a Japanese word meaning dark-light) focuses on the interaction between positive and negative space; a relationship embodied in the ancient symbolism of the Yang and the Yin. In composition; it recognizes the separate but equally important identity of both a shape and its background.Since their introduction in the West; the intriguing exercises associated with Notan have produced striking results in every branch of Western art and design. This book; by two American artists and teachers who made an intensive study of Notan; was the first basic book on the subject in the West; and it remains one of the definitive texts. Through a series of simple exercises; it places the extraordinary creative resources of Notan easily within the grasp of Western artists and designers.Clearly and concisely; the authors demonstrate Notans practical applications in six problems of progressive difficulty mdash; creative exercises that will fascinate artists and designers of every calling and level of expertise. Along with these exercises; the book includes many illustrations of the principle of Notan; among them images as diverse as a sculpture by David Smith; a Samoan tapa cloth; a Museum of Modern Art shopping bag; New England gravestone rubbings; Japanese wrapping paper; a painting by Robert Motherwell; a psychedelic poster; and a carved and dyed Nigerian calabash. Painters; sculptors; potters; jewelry; and textile designers; architects; and interior designers all will discover mdash; or rediscover mdash; in these pages an ancient principle of composition that can help them meet creative challenges with fresh new perspective.
#1237801 in eBooks 2012-11-27 2012-11-27File Name: B008TRU7E0
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Bonnie F.HillVery helpful understanding Albee. and a number of his plays. Really interesting read!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Informative page-turner for an Albee fanBy C. BoyceAlbee is without doubt my favorite living playwright. so Im a little biased. but I read and enjoyed this book. and felt like I got to know Albee a lot better in the process. without losing any of my respect for him.Since his plays are so much about family and the pursuit of "success". its worthwhile to know about how Albee--who was adopted--grew up. I recommend this to anyone who admires Albees plays. and also to sceptics who want more insight on the ideas and the man behind them.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. FIRST RATE !By mastersallAn excellent bio of one of Americas most important playwrights.A must for anyone interested in theatre. After reading Mr Gussowsbook I reread many of Albees plays and marveled at his talent.
