Pattern is a combination of elements or shapes repeated in a recurring and regular arrangement.
Visual patterns, are widespread in nature and in art. Visual patterns in nature are often chaotic, never exactly repeating, and often involve fractals.
What are fractals?
A fractal is any equation or pattern, that when seen as an image, produces a picture, which can be zoomed into infinity and will still produce the same picture. It can be cut into parts which look quite like a smaller version of the set that was started with. A simple example is a tree that branches infinitely into smaller branches, and those branches into smaller branches and so on.
There are many types of fractals, made in a large variety of ways. One example is the Sierpinski triangle, where there are an infinite number of small triangles inside the large one. Another example is the Mandelbrot set, named for its inventor. The Sierpinksi triangle is constructed using patterns, but the Mandelbrot set is based on an equation.
There are also many natural examples of fractals in nature including trees, snowflakes, some vegetables and coastlines.
Some Examples of Fractals in Nature
Blood vessels in human body.
Trees (notice how this tree is similar to blood vessels above)
Center of a flower
Fractals in Art
Main dome of a Mosque in Turkey (which contains some self-similar patterns)
Craig Schaffer, Getting The Yang Of It, bronze
Craig Schaffer, whose current series of work is based on fractal forms.
Fractal Table, 3-D printing material (plastic resin)
How the Fractal Table was made.
Patterns in Nature
1. Spirals
Spiral at center of a type of an aloe plant.
2. Meanders
River in Cuba
3. Waves
Desert sand blown by wind in Afghanistan
4. Foams
Soap bubbles
5. Tilings
Scale of common roach
6. Cracks
Cracked desert earth
Patterns In Art and Architecture
Pattern refers to a type of theme, or recurring visual event, in an artwork. Patterns often make use of symmetry in addition to the repetition of elements in a predictable manner. Visual patterns are everywhere in both art and nature. A recurring pattern is known as a motif. Common visual patterns include simple decorations such as stripes and polka dots, but can also be more complex.
When a unit is used for building a larger object, patterns are created. When the shape of the units is similar the pattern becomes more pronounced. Medias such as textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and masonry use repeated smaller elements for the construction of a larger work. Because of their methods of fabrication, these medias are naturally suited for the creation of decorative patterns.
Strawberry Thief, 1883, William Morris
Motifs
Motifs can be thought of as units of pattern. In visual arts, they are bounded areas or volumes that contain designs or any desired combination of art elements: stamps, tiles, building blocks, modules, etc. Motifs can be copied and arranged in multiple instances to create a desired effect, such as repetition, rhythm and pattern.
Terracotta jar with three handles – Minoan, 1600-1500 B.C., 13.5 in.
This hand formed copper wall hanging was inspired by patterns and designs found in coral structures. The artist, Jeremy Maronpot, used repousse and chasing techniques to create a sculpture that is both unusual and elegant.
http://www.sophia.org/tutorials/design-in-art-repetition-pattern-and-rhythm
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