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Digital Photography

The page supports the delivery of Digital Photography as a graduate course taught at the University of West Georgia.

Texture

Definition

Texture, as defined, refers to the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or substance. It encompasses tactile experiences and visual perceptions (Texture – How It Feels – New Life Photos, 2022). Texture is crucial in creating relationships among objects, colors, and surfaces in art and design.

Categories

Textures can be divided into several categories, such as smooth, soft, bumpy, and rough. Each type brings its own set of emotions and associations. For example, smooth surfaces like satin or polished stones tend to evoke a sense of elegance and tranquility. In contrast, rough textures, like jagged rocks or burlap, might suggest tension or a more rugged quality. (Texture – How It Feels – New Life Photos, 2022).

Smooth Textures can evoke a sense of calm and serenity. Think of a sleek, polished surface or a soft silk fabric. These textures tend to create a soothing visual experience and invite a gentle touch. The appeal of smoothness can influence our choices in everyday objects, such as sheets or clothing (Texture – How It Feels – New Life Photos, 2022).

Soft Textures, like plush fabrics or soft petals, can evoke comfort and warmth. The softness of certain materials can make them irresistible, often leading to an instinctive desire to touch. For example, consider the appeal of a stress ball that is soft and squishy, inviting tactile interaction (Texture – How It Feels – New Life Photos, 2022).

Bumpy Textures, found in objects like a dandelion or certain types of fruits, can create visual interest and a sense of playfulness. These textures add dimensionality and can stimulate curiosity, encouraging viewers to explore the surface further (Texture – How It Feels – New Life Photos, 2022).

Rough Textures convey a sense of tension and edginess. They can evoke feelings of edginess or tension. Think of the rough texture surface of broken things – glass, tools, bruised. (Texture – How It Feels – New Life Photos, 2022).

Textures and Emotions

Texture influences our sensory perceptions and elicits emotional responses (How It Feels – New Life Photos, 2022). For example, smooth and soft textures often invoke feelings of peace, while rough and gritty textures may create discomfort or urgency.

Textures in Art and Design

In visual art, texture is a primary subject and a supporting character. Artists like Vincent Van Gogh have famously utilized texture to create depth and emotion. (Texture – How It Feels – New Life Photos, 2022).

Cultural Significance

Aboriginal dot painting is a profound art form created by the Australian Aboriginal Peoples, reflecting their historical narratives, cultural beliefs, and spiritual connections to the land. These paintings serve as contemporary expressions deeply rooted in ancient traditions, embodying a culture that has adapted and thrived despite immense challenges (ART ARK®, n.d.).

The history of Aboriginal dot painting is intertwined with one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. Traditional Aboriginal art forms, including rock and bark paintings, were integral to spiritual practices and storytelling. These ancient artworks often depicted Dreamtime stories and served multiple functions: educational, spiritual, and as a means of transmitting laws and cultural lore (ART ARK®, n.d.). The texture in these artworks is significant, as it enhances visual appeal and encapsulates layers of meaning (Aboriginal Dot Painting, n.d.).

Symbolism and Function

The dots and patterns in Aboriginal art function as a symbolic language deeply connected to Aboriginal mythology, known as the Dreamtime. Each dot can represent different elements of the land, significant events, or ancestral stories, providing a rich narrative experience (ART ARK®, n.d.).

Traditional Chinese Arts and Crafts

In visual communication design, material selection, and handcrafting are vital to conveying the unique charm of traditional craftsmanship. Traditional Chinese artisans often choose natural materials such as wood, stone, ceramics, and silk, each offering distinct textures that contribute to the artwork's overall visual and tactile experience. For instance, wood provides warmth and a natural feel, while stone conveys solidity and depth (Traditional Chinese Arts and Crafts in Visual Communication Design | Art and Performance Letters, 2023).

Handcrafting techniques—such as carving, weaving, dyeing, and stitching add complexity and individuality to each piece, allowing the craftsmanship to shine through (Traditional Chinese Arts and Crafts in Visual Communication Design | Art and Performance Letters, 2023).

References

ART ARK®. (n.d.). Understanding Aboriginal dot painting. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://artark.com.au/en-us/pages/aboriginal-dot-painting-evolution-and-history?srsltid=AfmBOop2UkGUunEtjp-Rur1nCHPSfVxCI6Qz_u0DTN_fosT8pJ-nGFxy

Texture – How It Feels – New Life Photos. (2022, May 28). Jamie Konarski Davidson. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://www.newlifephotos.com/blog/texture-how-it-feels/

Traditional Chinese Arts and Crafts in Visual Communication Design | Art and Performance Letters. (2023, October 28). Clausius Scientific Press. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://www.clausiuspress.com/assets/default/article/2023/10/28/article_1698495427.pdf