Unveiling the Elegance: The Golden Ratio in Design & Art
How I Came to Know about The Golden Ratio
A few years ago, I had a conversation with a dear friend who is an industrial designer by trade and a very talented artist in his own right. During our conversation, he looked at the current quilt I was designing and mentioned that he liked the way I incorporated the Golden Ratio into my design. At the time, I politely thanked him and then hurried to look up what this so-called Golden Ratio was all about.
First and foremost, I was very flattered by his compliment, but since then, I have considered this theory and how I use it to create my designs.
Unveiling the Golden Ratio
At its core, the Golden Ratio, often denoted by the Greek letter phi (φ), is a mathematical concept representing an ideal proportion found in nature, art, and design. Its allure lies in its inherent sense of balance and symmetry, captivating the human eye with its pleasing proportions.
Mathematically, the Golden Ratio manifests when the ratio of the sum of two quantities to the larger quantity is equal to the ratio of the larger quantity to the smaller one. In simpler terms, it's when the ratio of the whole to the larger part is the same as the ratio of the larger part to the smaller part, resulting in approximately 1.6180339887..., an irrational number that stretches into infinity, much like the concept's pervasive presence in the universe.
Wait… What? That’s a whole lot of math, and I am not a math girl! So… how was I using this in my designs without even knowing?
Demystifying the Golden Ratio
In my effort to understand I came across an article on the Adobe website. Which explains the Golden Ratio in a way that was easy for me to grasp. Here is the link to the article.
Below are a couple quotes from the authors that stood out to me.
“The golden ratio can work a bit like the rule of thirds: It can be a compositional convention or guide, but not a hard-and-fast regulation about how you should structure your work. Ultimately, spacing is important and any kind of guideline is helpful. “If everything is important, then nothing is important,” says human factors engineering student Sara Berndt. “Use the golden ratio as a guideline for your work to make sure things are nicely spaced out and well composed.”
“There’s no evidence that use of the golden ratio is better than use of other proportions, but artists and designers are always in the business of creating balance, order, and interesting composition for their work.”
Perfect! What I got from this is The Golden Ratio, although derived from a mathematical equation, doesn’t mean I need to be a math wizard to use it.
Incorporating the Golden Ratio into Your Quilt Designs
Now, you might wonder how this mathematical marvel relates to your quilting endeavors. Well, the Golden Ratio can serve as a guiding principle in creating quilt designs that are not only visually stunning but also inherently balanced.
1. Proportions of Quilt Blocks:
Start by considering the proportions of your quilt blocks. Aim to design blocks whose dimensions adhere to the Golden Ratio, such as rectangles with sides in the ratio of 1:1.618. This will create a pleasing sense of proportion that draws the eye across your quilt.
2. Placement of Focal Points:
Think about where you want the focal points of your quilt to be. By applying the Golden Ratio, you can strategically place these focal points at key intersections or along golden spirals within your design, creating a dynamic composition that engages the viewer.
3. Border, Sashing, and Binding Widths:
Even the width of borders, sashing, and bindings can benefit from the Golden Ratio. Consider using widths that follow the ratio, such as a border that is 1.618 times wider than the sashing or binding. This subtle attention to proportion can elevate the overall look of your quilt.
Bringing it All Together
Incorporating the Golden Ratio into your quilt designs doesn't have to be daunting. It's about embracing a sense of proportion and balance that resonates with both the eye and the soul. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out, experimenting with the Golden Ratio can add a new dimension of creativity.
So, the next time you're sketching out a quilt design or selecting fabrics for your next project, take a moment to consider the timeless beauty of the Golden Ratio. Let it be your guiding light to creating your own magic.
Bonus Tip
The Golden Spiral (a graphic example) is a great way to see proportions and balance, in prints, color saturation and hues, as well size and scale, when selecting fabrics.
Image found here.
