The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry

by Jay Hambidge

Book Overview

Originally published as a series of lessons in Hambidge's magazine, The Diagonal, this engrossing book explains all the basic principles of dynamic symmetry. Part I covers fundamental rectangles while Part II explains compound rectangles. 118 illustrations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486217760
• ISBN13: 9780486217765
• Release Date: June 1967
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Great Detail!

I purchased this book because an artist friend of mine was using the term "dynamic symmetry" while evaluating my paintings for an art exhibit in Colorado. He concluded that my paintings were of outstanding quality, as he could see that I had used "dynamic symmetry" in all my compositions. I did not know that term, so I guess this is something I have done intuitively for many years without even realizing it. An artist friend and mentor of his was very much into this concept for his own paintings, and would "mark" his surface before beginning any drawings or applying the first stroke of paint to a canvas. Even though I have a degree in Art Education, I have never heard anyone use this term before, so I did a search and found this book. I am also very much into detail, so, fortunately, the book offers great explanation and disgrams of all the different types of symmetry that can be seen in both the natural and creative worlds. I find this book to be highly intriguing, yet very technical, so find a quiet place and be prepared to apply a great deal of concentration while reading it. I am still in the process of reading this book. I may try to "conscientiously" apply this "dynamic symmetry" to some of my artwork, once I get it all figured out, though I prefer painting intuitively. I hope this newfound knowledge will not cause me to be overly analytical when creating my own artwork or enjoying other artists' creations, but the book truly is fascinating. P.S. Break out your straight edge and compass. Doing a little drawing will help you understand these concepts more easily.

A Useful Theory of Design based on Greek Art

From back cover: "Is design intuitive or is it consciously and methodically worked out? Are there basic rules governing design which when learned will facilitate the creative process? Convinced that design was not purely instinctive, Jay Hambidge (1867-1924) spent much of his life searching for the technical bases of design. He found his answer in Dynamic Symmetry, one of the most provocative and stimulating theories in art history. Hambidge's study of Greek art convinced him that the secret of beauty of Greek design was in the conscious utilization of dynamic symmetry - the law of natural design based upon the symmethy of growth in man and in plants. But Hambidge, who was not only a theoretician but also a practicing artist, did much more than analyze classical art and its principles of design: he worked out a series of root rectangles which the artist, using the simple mathematics supplied in this book, can easily follow and apply in his own work. Originally published as a series of lessons in Hambidge's magazine, 'The Diagonal', this engrossing book explains all the basic principles of dynamic symmetry. Part I sets forth the fundamental rectangles with their simple divisions based on the proportioning law found in nature; Part II explains compound rectangles, many of which were taken from or suggested by analysis of objects of Greek art." Unabridged republication of 3rd (1948) edition, 3 plates, 154 figures.

The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry

For those who need to understand Industrial Design, its aesthetics, symmetry and creativity operations is one of the classic books. If an industrial designer believes that, before any project, it is necessary to build a structural grid, and a "philosophical" geometric principle, The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry, by Jay Hambidge, is one of those books. by Prof. Luiz Vidal Gomes, PhD, Brazilian industrial designer.

Excellent

This book opened my eyes to what is fully possible in painting.

A bit arcane, but very useful for artists and designers!

Hambidge writes about design principles found in nature which can be applied to the work of the artist and designer. Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, these compositional techniques have been used to give proportion, symmetry, and beauty to buildings, sculpture, paintings, etc. Because of their complexity and rigor, the principles are no longer taught widely, but they are useful for any artist or designer interested in making compositions which appeal to humans' unconscious sense of proportion. The book is old, and a little difficult to understand, but Dover has reproduced it well.