African Tribal Art And Interior Design , What It Teaches Us.

The Naples Botanical Garden has an astonishingly beautiful sculptural installation throughout the grounds. It is a showing of Zimbabwean artists promoted and represented by Zimsculpt. The company is owned by Joseph and Vivienne Croisette , and their exhibit travels the world bringing African Stone Sculpture to places as far flung , as well , Naples , Florida.

As I wandered among the various areas of the Garden and photographed the impactful and exciting stone art forms , I was continuously impressed with the raw and remarkable Principles of Design reflected in each Sculptural creation.

Rhythm and Repetition are used powerfully to strengthen the visual effect of the piece. You often see trios of objects grouped together , and multiples of the same animal or shape cascading fluidly into one finished sculpture. Multiples are always a more powerful way to convey a design statement .

Contrasts of light and dark areas in the stone literally work to draw the eye into the depth of the selection , furthering the 3-D effect. It is Lighting 101 , without the use of any electrical fixture. We need both Shadows and Highlights to bring drama to our own spaces , whether as artwork or a room.

Line and Form  as well as Proportion are used Masterfully here .The female curvilinear shapes are seductive and inviting. The hard , strong masculine lines cut geometrically across  the surface , some how both imposing and yet compelling. The exaggerated facial features and over sized proportions secure an undeniable focal point among any setting. The end result is almost hypnotic , and certainly unforgettable.

I walked away from the Sculptural Exhibit wondering about our definition of  the word Primitive. I was the student and the simple art form the teacher. It reminded me that in our purist and  most basic approach to a design problem , applying some tried and trued concepts , we may find the best solution.

Today is Monday , go to your gut and find the raw and real you . See things both simply and yet sharply. Be as solid as the stone. Sculpt out the week ahead with masterful strokes.

Peggy Oberlin RID 4986