Here are the prints I created from my cross shapes. Initially I used a shape which I found in the tracings I made from the guitar photographs (shape adapted from bottom right hand corner tracing in blog on asymmetrical designs). I made two large stamps - the shape and its mirror image using 'funky foam'. Although this shape is asymmetrical, it does not rotate or reflect well as both sides are quite similar. I was disappointed that the shapes did not yield more varied patterns but I did find the overall effect of the prints interesting, probably because I like the colour combinations and the way I could easily mix and blend the paint colours.
I then decided to change tack and look for a shape that would generate a greater variety of patterns.
This shape came from one of my cross drawings - see first page of line drawings (design from The Internet) and again I created two stamps (much smaller this time) of the shape and its mirror image. Although the shape is very simple, I knew it would produce a nice range of secondary patterns when rotated and reflected. I particularly like the sharpness of these designs which was achieved by using a selection of ink pads used in rubber stamping.
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| Shape printed in same direction in rows |
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| Alternate rows turned upside down |
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Shape and its mirror image - alternate rows reflected
and using two colours in the background. |
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| Shapes reflected, rows offset and printed on a slight angle |
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| Shape repeated in same orientation on painted newsprint |
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| Pairs of shapes, one upside down and printed back to back |
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| Shape and mirror image repeated in rows to create an M shape |
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| Mirror image reflected in alternate rows |
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Squares printed with ink pads then shapes printed
mirror image in the corners of each square.
I think it creates the effect of stars. |
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Shape repeated in a circle then overlapped. Reminds
me of the symbol of The Isle of Man. |
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Alternate rows upside down and shapes
fitted into the gaps from the previous row.
I like the diagonal lines created by this design. |
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Design printed onto painted tissue paper. Shape and its
mirror image slightly offset, which created an N shape |
Finally I created a page of 'cross shapes' taken from a selection of my cross drawings. Some are very simple, others are more complex, being a combination of different shapes layered together.
