3.1.2: Shape (Plane)
Shape is an area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary often due to differences in value, texture, or color.
Just like line, shapes have a variety of possible characteristics. One of the most basic is the difference between being geometric or organic in nature. Geometric 2D shapes are typically made by humans and are made up of circles, squares, and triangles. Geometric shapes are derived from mathematics and can be curvilinear (made from curves) or rectilinear (made of straight lines).
In contrast, organic or biomorphic shapes are those generally found in nature. These shapes often have rounded, curving forms suggesting natural processes like growth, erosion, or decay. Humans are organic shapes and have worked with natural materials to create new forms over the history of our species.
Tiffany was looking to create a very organic form in both the shape, color, and pattern in the surface of this vase.
Another important characteristic when discussing shape is the difference between mass and volume. In 2D design, mass and volume are implied, the illusion made by using shading to add value. Mass is defined as the physical weight of an object. Stone, clay, plaster, concrete, and metal objects generally appear to have a large mass.
These pieces were constructed hollow in order to survive the kiln firing process but still have considerable visual mass.
Volume is how much space an object occupies. A massive shape generally takes up a large amount of space, but a lighter object can also have the same volume and occupy the same amount of space. This concept can be simplified to: All mass has volume, but not all volume has mass.