Using Line to Define Shape and Form
Exploring a multitude of principles and elements from the perspective of line
As I mentioned in Shape as Form, I am treating the discussion of line, shape and form as a combo platter. This article looks at the effect line has on other principles and elements of design. Primarily, I want to show how line defines shapes and forms in various ways.
It is an easily recognizable perspective, as we use a line to draw a shape. However, often the more obvious aspects of design go unexamined because we take them for granted.
In this review, we broaden the definition of line to include both two and three-dimensional qualities. As a figure of geometry, lines have length but no width. Because wire can look like a line, and because wire is a very common component in the making of jewelry, it can be both. Even when we start with a three-dimensional wire, it can be read or understood as a two-dimensional line in the finished piece.
Here are some examples of jewelry where line is used to create other design actions or components.
Use line to:
Direct the eye, Point the way
Enclose space to define a shape or form
Produce texture or pattern
To direct attention
Collar
sterling, ebony
designed 1958
To create Pattern
To Enclose Shapes and create Form
Jacques Jarrige
L: Pendant necklace in Silver, "Figure #2", 2017, Silver hand cut and hammered
R: Necklace gold plated "Halo" 2015, Gold plated brass
Pixel Earrings,
aquamarine, silver
Silvia Furmanovich, red-bamboo knot diamond-earrings
Line/wire as thread for textile methods
Wire is not the only line-like material employed in developing three-dimensional forms. The weaving of textiles makes similar use of a thin, flexible substance to produce objects of limitless variety. And there are many examples of jewelry-makers using weaving and knitting methods with wire to make metal forms. Among my favorite examples are these from Mary Lee Hu, where she combines woven rectangular shapes with sinuous forged metal ribbons.
Mary Lee Hu
Bracelet #62, 2002
18K and 22K gold
Collection of Museum of Arts & Design, New York. Photo: Doug Yaple
Mary Lee Hu Choker #87, 2002. 18K and 22K gold. Photo: Doug Yaple
Links and Resources
Danielle Embry https://danielleembry.com/
Silvia Furmanovich https://www.instagram.com/silviafurmanovich/
Lydia Hirte https://www.instagram.com/lydiahirte/
Jacques Jarrige https://www.artsy.net/artwork/jacques-jarrige-necklace-gold-plated-halo-by-jacques-jarrige
Daphne Krinos https://www.instagram.com/daphnekrinos/
Laura Konecne https://www.instagram.com/laurakonecne/
Lynne MacLachlan https://www.instagram.com/lynnemaclachlanstudio/
Mary Lee Hu https://www.mobilia-gallery.com/artists/mary-lee-hu/
2024 SNAG Lifetime Achievement Award https://youtu.be/wiDNUXAL6MM?si=x0Z3fRV10-4P_Dlx
Gilly Langton https://gillylangton.co.uk/
Mineri Matsura https://klimt02.net/events/award-givings/japan-jewellery-competition-2020-winners-japan-jewellery-designers-association
Kathrin Sättele www.saettele-schmuck.de https://www.instagram.com/kathrinsattele/