Focus, in the meditative state, centred on a point, a turning action begins. This is a fundamental movement, a primary animation, rotation either to the right or left.
Focus, energy is directed, concentrated at a point, like the sun's rays through a lens focused on a point, creates fire. Turning, rotation as the first and primary animation. Spinning, rotation development creates stability. A spinning top stands up, as does a gyroscope which balances. Primal verse, the initial turning creates the axis, around which is the action of turning. Chakras, literally wheels in Sanskrit, are a turning phenomenon of light, coloured according to their position in the body's energy points. The spectral sequence from red at the base of the spine to purple and white at the top of the head and beyond. Universe, literally the initial turning. Uni, the first, verse (versus) to turn.
Nature's designs combine function and beauty. Beauty comes in part from the integrity of that function. An egg is an example of a beautiful shape, one of function in perfection. It has an incredible strength in ways that is required, but also a fragility. It requires strength to protect the growing life inside, but also the fragility to enable that grown life to break out at the required time.
Natural design is and has been an essential part of humanity's development, as well as in animal and plant development. The beehive structure was named presumably because it was attributed to bees making it. Apart from this it has been important for people's use in many parts of the world. It has particular qualities that make it useful. It can be constructed in simple materials without the need for extra support structures. This is due to its shape. It can be seen as an arch shape, but in three dimensions. Because it rises to a pinnacle, like the arch, it does not require the support that a dome shape would to prevent it from collapsing at the top. On a beach in Sardinia some years ago, I was able to build these structures in wet sand by the sea. The sand here was particularly good for this.
I arranged competitions with children around to build the largest examples. The requirement was that the structure had to be hollow inside and fully complete, sealed right to its apex.
Other structures have defined their cultural design heritage. The wooden temple designs of Japan and China have distinctive roofs that overlap the main structure. This is achieved by an intricate bracket assembly that enables the roof beams to extend out. This is particularly used at the corners of the roof. Another example of an advanced bracket like use is in the 'stalactite honeycomb' structures that are common in Islamic architecture. These structures are predominantly used under domes and arches and are in some way decorative as well as being structurally supportive.
Buttresses are common in Gothic cathedral architecture helping to support tall walls. Walls that require extra support because of large tracery windows that effectively weaken the slim style walls. Buttresses are used in nature. Tall rainforest trees need extra support due to their height and the shallowness of their roots in the thin rainforest soil.
The branch of a tree is in effect a type of bracket, enabling it to extend its canopy and support growth along its length. It's ever increasing branching draws comparisons to the temple roof examples.
The rib is another important structural element widely employed in nature. The extensive use of the rib cage and it's use for protection and strength. This fundamental importance has made it indispensible in human design and use. The basic leaf has a rib structure that supports the thin leaf material. This laticeworkcan be seen in a myriad of natural examples, eg corals. Similarly there are many examples of human application. The windows in cathedral architecture have patterns of structural ribbing that houses the glass.. The vaulted ceiling also use ribbing as part of their structure. Fundamentally, beams are the ribs that support a roof. Joists support floors, walls and windows all require this structural support.
Also included here are the structural material that is included to strengthen and give substance in various building applications. Theae can range from metals rods to straw, depending on cultural methods, availability and design requirements. These are all examples of prime methods that enable form and structure to be realised.
"Ingenious but not correct" is a phrase I remember as teachers seemed to acknowledge that although I failed with the correct answer, that there was a quality that showed that perhaps not all was in vain.
To me I was almost able to see this as a compliment. There was something exciting about ingenuity and its close counterpart intuition.
The idea of something being correct in some way implies a singular answer or conclusion.
Ingenuity seems to open up the possibility of a number of answers, The creative mind is opening up various solutions.
Much of our educational system, at least as I experienced it, is geared towards achieving the correct answers to many questions in diverse academic subjects.
Our brain in these circumstances is almost trained towards achieving this correctness as it's norm.
There seem to be similarities between the brain and the computer. The brain is undoubtedly more spectacular in it's nature and function, but both can be 'programmed'.
Ingenuity, intuition and instinct are three qualities that will be prevalent in an untrained brain, There are undoubted learning and developments that enhance these, but they seem to be fundamental qualities, natural abilities that can be applied in multiple ways.
The way everything is.
The way education makes us think.
How the original plan was set in place.
Where from and how did it come.
All we can do to describe this is by accepting that it "Just is".
It has to be seen in a different way, away from mathematics and conventional language.
Which was the prime movement, was it mathematics, the world of equations, or just pure evolution, if that is the word?
It just materialised, not out of nothing, but if out of something, what was that?
Beyond any of this it "just is".
The concept of this wonderverse is so ultimate, that everything is in it's place, mathematics, harmony of all kinds relate in a way that is beyond calculation,
it "Just is".
Primal forms display mathematics and geometry, but were conceived outside of a mathematical brain.
All of nature's marvels perhaps were conceived similarly.
Mathematics can be our only way of understanding these universal marvels.
Just because so much can be explained through these means, does not necessarily mean that such a "brain" created them.
It is our way of explaining it all, but there is a good chance that an intuitive action is responsible, one so in tune with the processes involved that it is
"Just able" to carry out the creation.
In answer to the question, what is it, it "Just is what it is".
It is an expression of a phenomena, what results from applying principles of an origin within the nature of what is present in the universe.
Part of the working elements that are responsible for the function and building of all the actions that carry out everything that is required for a successful working universe and natural world.
The wondrous workings of the universe. Here the reference is about how it all originated, all those created elements, the design that was there before any 'Big Bang'. This is beyond our comprehension and it is not possible for us to come anywhere near an understanding or even to have the language to adequately express this sublime mystery. The essence of everything that was present in this formative initial stage, has everything that is required to enable function to perfection and fulfillment of its designated purpose. The scope of our comprehension is unable to fathom all this and our words fall short of meaningful description. We can imagine a vast store of these elemental phenomena and their ability to contribute to all the processes that exist. What is the nature of this store? Now in this computer age an analogy to this store can be imagined. It is stated that everything that has ever been 'Googled' by everyone is held in computer storage. This seems unimaginable but is of course totally insignificant if compared to the storage of those elemental forces that enable the universe to function. Obviously this storage is without bounds, limitless and totally beyond any comparisons.
Information storage relating to computerisation took on further significance with the Internet. Almost unlimited access to information became available. Up to this point books were the main source of this information which now was opened up and reorganised for the computer. Information once hidden in books was now brought together in a readily available format, enabling a vast amount of related knowledge to be on hand and easily accessed.
Appreciating the role of the computer here perhaps helps give some indication of how the universe functions. It is as if all is catered for, answers are there for all that can be imagined. Seeking answers opens up hidden information. The universe knows all the answers, it is an inexhaustible knowledge store of all the solutions that it requires to ensure everything functions in its own ultra perfect way. Our brain function is part of this natural phenomenon. We have the capability to seek answers and draw knowledge from this universal store. This is at the heart of invention and discovery. The answers are all there, but are hidden, revealed upon seeking. Science is about seeking answers, which often lead to more questions, all in an ongoing quest to find the elusive ultimate answer. There is often a progression of theories and propositions. The ultimate answer is there in the universe's store, but may only be revealed when the time and conditions are right, often taking many years of attempts to unfold. Archaeologists uncover the past through excavation, literally seeking that which is hidden and bringing it to light. In all cases the truth is there, hidden waiting for the seeker to "ask the right questions".
Applying the idea of uncovering and gaining access to a design solution in primal forms development, each begins with a potential concept. It then becomes a case of bringing the idea to reality. The solution is there it just needs to be uncovered. As a result of previous experience and practical development there is a good chance that a design will be successful. In these cases a true solution will have been found. The outcome, in answer to the idea sought has uncovered a new design and brought the potential idea to reality.
The diagram shows the tetrahedron in this example of a potential idea which results in a finished form.
A tetrahedron has 4 apex points. Each apex point has 3 edge lines which join 3 further apex points.
A symmetrical arrangement of the 4 apex points/centres are marked on the sphere.
3 spiral paths begin at each of the 4 centres.
Each of these spiral paths join 3 other centres.
The drawn design on the clay sphere prior to the making process.
When drawn out and made the completed forms with two variations in spiral progression are shown in the photos.
The primal form series are static representations of various combinations and interactions of movements. It is envisaged that these movements would be moving simultaneously. Such animation could have parallels with natural phenomena manifesting in various forms within the universe.
The making process of the primal form itself gives an indication of the presence and nature of these movements. The honing and shaping process that is required to complete the form is a constant defining movement that is repeated up to completion. Whether this is a circular, orbital, spiral or wave movement, the path is extensively and progressively worked until all the paths of the form complete.
The element of time, the passage of time/movement that is almost meditational, contributes to this completion as all the elements come together. There is an instinctive feeling that in some way these forms are a representation of time. The orbits of the planets define periods of time. Spirals are a result of growth in time, development through time. Waves are time motion cycles.
These primal forms maybe can be seen as an encapsulation of time. Rolling them leaving the resulting track, brings to mind the expression "Rolling out Time". The rolled graphic mark is a transference of the information on the three dimensional spherical form onto a two dimensional format.
The evolution of the primal forms are based around the geometry of the regular solids. One of these solids, the icosahedron has a particular significance to the mechanics of time as represented for us in our system. This solid has twelve main centres, around each of these points lies a pentagon, thus five is an integral part of its makeup.
Our time system is based around the twelve hours each of the day and night. Each hour is divided into twelve units of five minutes adding up to the sixty minutes in the hour. Each minute is again divided into sixty seconds. Twelve fives equal sixty is fundamental to this.
One particular primal form series based on the icosahedron focused on five spirals emanating from each of the twelve points, producing a spiral interaction of sixty spirals. The series comprises a progression of spiral development adding additional spiral rotations culminating in a piece with twelve rotations. Out of interest and curiosity, I was prompted to count the intersections on a single spiral path, one of the fore mentioned sixty interacting spiral paths. Interestingly there happened to be seventy three intersection points. Five spirals began at each point 5 x 73 = 365. So this sphere had a particular affinity to the unit of the year. It was additionally interesting to note that it took twelve rotations to achieve this, showing a numerical consistency. This primal form may have calender credentials in the way it marks units of time.
This seems more than a mere coincidence and gives an interesting relationship between the numbers associated with time and the geometry of the universe. It also seems to point to a correlation between the essential geometry of a three dimensional solid and the workings of time as employed in our planetary system. This opens up some interesting ideas and propositions. Where did the concept of twelve, five and sixty in relation to our time clock come from? Because of this clear connection to form within the cosmos, regular solids would likely be the same throughout the universe, does this perhaps suggest that our earth and solar system is special. Are we unique, rather than just being a speck in the universe among billions of other similar systems. This lends a fresh interest in the idea that these primal forms in some way encapsulate time.
What is a primal form, why the term primal form? Prime, primal suggests importance and essentiality. The most essential form is perhaps the sphere. All the regular solids, the forms that are the building elements of the physical world relate back to the sphere. They can be drawn on a sphere, the points that mark their identity can be plotted on a sphere. In our physical world the sphere can be seen as the prime primal form, the one that precedes all others. Seen in terms of the dimensions, a dot is a first dimensional point. This dot is essentially a sphere in the making. It has roundness, almost by definition, but lacks the three dimensionality that turns it or a circle into a sphere. The circle, lacking the three dimensional aspect is therefore two dimensional. The circle "spun" around in all directions assumes three dimensionality, it becomes the sphere. In this role as a marker that can define the essence of dimensionality in this way, it almost without question, fulfils the definition of prime quality, the form from which all evolves. The sphere has so many important manifestations, from the shape of the planets to the ultimate rolling form. A ball can roll in all directions, its spherical integrity/accuracy enabling its widespread use, in ball games, ball bearings etc. A two dimensional circular form, such as a tyre, in contrast can only roll in a single direction The sphere also has important physical properties, that for example enable an air filled bubble to be spherical. A sphere has an important efficiency quality as it encloses the maximum interior volume with the minimum surface area.
The Primal Form story begins with the sphere, taking the unmarked static one, unaffected by any outside stimulus or interference. It was then subjected to a simple action such as a twist, or something that breaks the static nature, giving it a pattern. A simple action could be any number of things, anything that disrupts creating a new identity. This is similar to the way that a mark and a drawing will give identity to a flat surface. Smooth mill pond water can be disturbed by an interference causing ripples.
Our earth has two poles, the first of my primal forms was a carved wooden sphere with two poles/centres. This simple fundamental beginning starts a journey of progression introducing new criteria in the form of spirals, orbits, waves, as well as curves. Prior to this perceived beginning of the primal form journey were a number of constructed spherical structures, the first of which displayed a pattern of "finger print" type marks, deriving from a simple disruption of the smooth spherical surface. Other examples in this pre stage explored spherical geometry and introduced the idea of wave and curvature patterning.
Primal forms have developed as a response to many years of continued exploration into natural form and the way nature builds.
The term primal form refers to the simple, fundamental nature of these forms. They are based on the sphere which has an important association with the three dimensional world. A circle is to two dimensional as the sphere is to three dimensions. Three dimensional geometry is the geometry of the sphere. The curved surface of the sphere requires a different geometrical approach to that on a flat plane.
In constructing the form, the first stage is the making of a smooth blank sphere, this then is ready to be marked out. The sphere is divided up so as to identify the solid to be represented. One example is the cube which comprises six squares, as drawn on the sphere twelve interconnecting lines of equal length are marked over the sphere's surface. The other solids similarly have their relevant number of equal lines plotted.
Further lines are drawn through the previously placed points. Once all the relevant points are positioned, spirals orbits and curves are drawn through and around them, as appropriate to the design. This completes the two dimensional aspect. The integrity of the design becomes apparent in an intuitive process as the points are linked in this way. The aim is for the elements of the design, the spirals, orbits and curves, to freely fit the pattern markers in a fluid unforced way.
In an almost uncanny way, maybe due to the play of sacred geometry and the integrity of the design, the result usually has an inevitability. The spirals, orbits and curves usually fit the design pattern with an accuracy that is almost beyond expectation. The feeling being that the design is there just requiring to be uncovered, discovered rather than created or invented. The integrity and logic of the linked points and the drawing that evolves, ensures that the result fulfils expectations. There is an intuitive feeling of completion, perhaps this is sacred geometry in action, ensuring a harmonic outcome.
Celestial orbs, heavenly bodies, both refer to spherical forms and evoke comparisons to celestial and planetary phenomena. The interactive qualities of the orbits, spirals and curves in this geometrical context produce intersections and alignments. These remind of the occurrences that result from planetary movement, particularly the eclipses that involve the interaction of the sun and moon. Ancient monuments with their alignments are examples of mankind's historical understanding and interest in this.
After the drawing phase has established the fundamental design on the spherical surface, the drawn lines are cut. This begins the transformation journey into three dimensions.This gradual process continues until all the flat areas have disappeared. The final honing process reveals subtle geometry and effectively 'tunes' the form into full three dimensional completion where all the subtle geometries are revealed. As this occurs tuning refers to the way all the harmonic elements combine, like a musical instrument in tune.
Ethelbert Gate, Norwich, England
My early influences were perhaps formed when we first moved to Norwich when I was four years old. Growing up around the cathedrals of Norwich and Canterbury, these magnificent structures had an undeniable impact on me as a child. These towering structures were an awe inspiring presence of light, colour and form. I have a recollection of an early experience of an example of sacred geometry that may particularly have found its way into the unconscious mind. The special geometry of the Ethelbert gate into the Norwich Cathedral Close was something that I saw on a daily basis from an early age.
Close up showing my attic playroom window in the centre of the arch
It seems possible that influences form and build in the consciousness, eventually leading to a creative moment when something is produced as a result of the synthesis of previous experiences. At this point a new significance to observation occurs, an actual response is activated. The creative process begins, prerecorded related stimulae come together to form new areas of development. These early experiences seem to have been unconsciously implanted, so when at ten years old I was given my first maths textbook and seeing those five regular solids pictured in the introduction, this had an immediate effect.
These forms, the basis of three dimensional geometry, was that seminal experience that laid the foundations for future exploration. They are an important part of the three dimensional world of construction. Making these was my first sculptural experience and perhaps the idea of the primal forms was born at this point.
A visit to the cathedral mason's yard provided a piece of stone for my first carving, a Norman 'dog tooth', a stone pyramidical decoration, found in the older parts of Canterbury Cathedral. The octahedron solid is made up of two pyramids.
I remember as a child being given a book that outlined the significance of the natural proportion phenomenon. This was a child's art book that was interesting in the way it explored the relationship between art and nature.
The awareness that resulted has shaped and influenced my work by helping the realisation of the importance of this natural element to the creative process. It has also led to an understanding of how the various aspects of my work relate.
It is interesting to look back at earlier work and have a new perspective on its meaning and the motivation that contributed to its creation. With advancing maturity it becomes clearer what earlier work was about and the way in which it paved the way for what was to come.
The first step in the early development stage is one of observation, to absorb things that at the time are not necessarily appreciated, yet somehow they seem relevant. Even before this stage we may have experiences that enter consciousness, dwelling there to surface later.
Sacred Geometry is the term that helps us define nature's creation activity in terms of geometry. as well helping the appreciation of the resulting harmony. Growth and proportion of nature's architecture conforms to this. Through evaluation of its importance in nature we aim to incorporate these principles in our design. Examples are found extensively in art and architecture, particularly because of a connection to the divine, notably in cathedral and church design.
Proportions as in the golden section, an essential element of sacred geometry, produce aesthetic integrity and beauty with widely appreciated qualities that touch our senses in a profound way.
It is clear that harmony in its many expressions, from music to design, draw on the same underlying principles. In essence a structure seems to be understood and which can be traced to a mathematical foundation.
The 'Music of the Spheres' is a description of sacred geometry and sets out a clear connection between sound harmonics and geometry as in celestial movements.
Working with these principles, appreciation and deep satisfaction is produced. The underlying integrity being understood ensures true beauty as a result. It's almost as if these qualities are not present that it is perceived that something is deficient, so powerful is its influence.
We are educated by these beauty principles experienced all around us in nature as well as in art and design. This contributes to our well-being and happiness in a subliminal way. Without this as an essential part of everyday experience our lives would surely be poorer. These proportions are almost inescapable for us as they also are an integral part of our own body's skeletal design. Everywhere and in almost every aspect of our lives, in one form or another sacred geometry is present and part of our experience.
The natural world, the way that everything in the universe works, the grand design of all that constitutes this, exemplifies the perfection of a designed system. This construction from elements that build everything necessary for this creation to exist, develop and sustain itself, is the ultimate expression that it is possible to imagine. All our contributions will always be subject to the standards set by those of this natural world. Taking this into account human endeavour has always looked at this natural world, seeking inspiration and solutions for all our requirements. Studying the phenomena gives insight into how there is an interaction between the various distinct areas found in this natural world. There is a fundamental linking factor that runs through this creation. It has been found that numbers and patterns, the essence of geometry is able to aid the appreciation and understanding of this. An universal law of harmony seems to operate across distinct areas and can apply equally to plant growth as well as governing musical harmony. This is an example of the functioning that determines the nature of the grand creative design.