1. Japanese Aesthetic Principle
Notan
Japanese Aesthetic Principle
meaning Light and Dark

2. Find beauty not only in the thing itself
but in the pattern of the shadows,
the light and dark which that thing provides Junichiro Tanizaki

3. The artistic principle of Notan involves a balance
between lights and darks in an artwork.
Example by 8th grade student

4. We put thirty spokes together and call it a wheel;
But it is on the space where there is nothing that the utility of the wheel depends.
We turn clay to make a vessel,
But it is on the space where there is nothing that the utility of the vessel depends.
We pierce doors and windows to make a house;
And it is on these spaces where there is nothing that
The utility of the house depends.
Therefore, just as we take advantage of what is, we should
Recognize the utility of what is not.
This poem, attributed to Lao Tse, was written about 2,000 years ago. It addresses the basis of all design, Notan.

5. ARTS VOCABULARY Elements of Design: Principles of Art:
SHAPE, FORM, SPACE
VALUE - LIGHT AND DARK
Principles of Art:
BALANCE
Block print by SSterrenberg

6. Squint your eyes. Focus on the space.

7. In calligraphy, the white space is just as important as the kanji character.

8.  A strong Notan design helps artwork succeed.
The concept of Notan applies to many areas of art, including painting, drawing, graphic design, sculpture, architecture and photography.
It also
applies to other arts disciplines like dance and theater.

9. Kazuaki Tanahashi, Heiki, 1965.

10. Edward Weston, Pepper, 1930

11. Georgia O’Keeffe, Morning Glory, 1926

12. Jim Yellowhawk, Sacred Hoop, 1992

13. Creative Expression
Task: Create design with balance between shapes and space, between light and dark Materials: Light and dark paper squares Scissors Glue Technique: Cut and paste
8th grade student work

14. Criteria for Assessment
Craftsmanship
Cutting: Clean, sharp edges
Pasting: Neatness, accuracy
Design COMPOSITION
Details, complexity
Placement
Originality

15. Scoring Rubric for Finished Artwork
Craftsmanship Cutting
Pasting
Design Composition
Balance
Creativity
7th grade student work

16. Examples of Student Work