When posed with the question "What is Ornament?" our immediate reaction is to focus on ornaments that are placed on a Christmas tree.
Well, at least that was my first reaction to the question, because what is ornament really? What does Ornament mean in design, this question impelled me to simply research on what the word "Ornament" means, these were my findings;
noun
ˈɔːnəm(ə)nt/
A thing used or serving to make something look more attractive but usually having no practical purpose, especially a small object such as a figurine.
verb
ˈɔːnəmɛnt/
Make (something) look more attractive by adding decorative items.
But a further insight is required for one to fully understand the term ornament, and the weight it carries for designers and artists.
Well, at least that was my first reaction to the question, because what is ornament really? What does Ornament mean in design, this question impelled me to simply research on what the word "Ornament" means, these were my findings;
noun
ˈɔːnəm(ə)nt/
A thing used or serving to make something look more attractive but usually having no practical purpose, especially a small object such as a figurine.
verb
ˈɔːnəmɛnt/
Make (something) look more attractive by adding decorative items.
But a further insight is required for one to fully understand the term ornament, and the weight it carries for designers and artists.
Author's Own
Mind Map on "what is Ornament?"
Mind Map on "what is Ornament?"
The more I research the word ornament the better my understanding what ornament could be. I have developed a widened insight on the countless possibilities of "Ornament" in design. The various ways that ornament can be used in all aspects of the various design industries.
So let's recap...
Ornament is a decoration or an embellishment. It is any additional detail added to an object, interior or architectural structure which serves no other purpose than to make it more interesting, spectacular or beautiful to us.
For example if we think of a simple white plate and a richly painted (ornament print) plate, we would most likely be attracted to the painted plate.
What is the difference between these plates? The decorations add no function to the plate, but the effect we have when we look at the printed plate is evidently more interesting than a plain white plate.
The more you think about it, the more you realize...Ornament is all around us!
The question is...
WHAT ARE THE DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS TRYING TO SAY WITH ORNAMENT?
Dictionaries, O. (2011) Oxford School Dictionary. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.
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