Week 5 - symmetry

If we think in terms of Yin &  Yang. The world is both symmetrical and asymmetrical. It is all relative. If something is symmetrical then we must be comparing it to something that is not symmetrical. Western studies have shown that beauty is directly related to symmetry, meaning the more symmetrical our face is, the more beautiful we are considered to be. This unfortunately has been carried into all forms of beauty, especially design. This western view of symmetry only looks at the clearly visible and measurable.

Eastern beauty, especially the art of Ikebana, embraces asymmetry. I find asymmetry to be far less complicated (although more difficult to achieve) and very calming. When considering design, I strive for the empty space provided by asymmetry. It forces me to choose wisely and display only those things that are necessary. The intensity that comes from one strong object and it's relationship to the empty space around it, for me, create a calm symmetry. They are balanced and equal, respecting each other for form and formlessness. This is a problem with Western design, clutter. For every space filled in with clutter, there must be an equal amount of space that is clear and empty to balance that energy. We may not be able to see it but this constant search for symmetry will only reveal more and more seemingly asymmetrical things. The harder we look the further we are from finding it. That in itself is true symmetry.