Planes in Composition

1) Planes

2) Curved surfaces

NOTE: Although the lines of force are discernible, the overall movement of surface determines the kind or degree of vitality possessed by each piece.

With Sculpture [three dimensional drawing] we face a true multidimensional plasticity in real, three-dimensional space. Lines in sculpture are formed as a result of plane meeting plane and are, therefore, structural manifestations of three dimensionality. When a surface is composed of flat planes, arranged in strong convex to concave opposition, angles become acute and form lines--or, more strictly speaking, edges--which carry the thrust of the force; the skeletal-like lines of edges you see in Woman's Head by Picasso represent the pressure of subcutaneous bone at forehead, nose, cheek and chin jutting against flesh . . . . Once we start to deal with the dynamic aspects of three-dimensional objects . . . . we see that while lines of drawing do not exist as such, the edges of the various surfaces, which appear as lines, do; and that because of this, the linear aspect of surface configuration continues to convey the forceful nature of the works. If an object presents a surface made up of juxtaposed concave and convex planes, then the forces at work are concentrated in angle lines of direct thrust. But if the form offers an uninterrupted flow of rounded volumes, then such forces become perceptually manifest by the curvilinear swell of their apparent contours--the line of curvilinear swell.

We perceive the structure and force loading of solid objects through their surface shapes and motion; thus, the apparent lines formed by organizations of planes or representing the contours of curved surfaces carry the same connotations of force and energy as are present in the graphic lines we employ in drawing. But . . . . the kind and degree of vitality possessed by solid form is conveyed more by the plane or curved nature of surface areas and their juxtapositioning than it is by the linear "reading" we take. Yet obviously, a complex series of planes will create an abundance of force lines (edges seen as lines), whereas curvilinear regions, exerting pressure via surface spread rather than by a succession of skeletal edges, will not produce such a linear impact.

Two basic force systems found in three-dimensional design [Each possesses its own dynamic character; each can move from a condition of equilibrium to one of turbulence; and each shows matter subject to differing orders of force working both internally and externally]:

1). That of curved surfaces producing swelling volumes

2). That of concave and convex thrusting planes creating angular ones.