Rediscovering Colors, Textures, Forms, and Shapes

In Paris, the bark of a plane tree; in Japan, a detail of a cotton towel; in the Egyptian desert, the sunset; soil from Yosemite; a tiled floor in Bangkok; a wall in Ferrara; an iron cart wheel in Antwerp. These are the diverse elements that form the basis of a unique book which teaches us how to truly see design. Colors, textures, forms, and shapes are explored in hauntingly beautiful ways, revealing the common elements found in all design.

The book surveys both natural and man-made environments, demonstrating how they can be broken down into basic elements like dots, lines, and planes. Dots arranged in various ways, lines bending and crossing, and planes in shapes like rectangles, squares, triangles, and circles are all analyzed. These elements are shown in a variety of materials and techniques, demonstrating how they are both timeless and universal, yet also shaped by cultural and temporal influences.

This exploration of design elements leads us to the heart of the creative process, where inspiration and imitation, representation and interpretation all play a role. Artists, designers, and craftspeople are sure to treasure this volume, as it reminds us that the search for something new is often a journey of rediscovery into the forms of the past and present. With 177 color photographs, this book is destined to become a cult classic in the world of design.

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