Cynthia Mosser

What is a pattern? Wikipedia provides an insightful entry... A pattern , apart from the term's use to mean " Template " [a] , is a discernible regularity in the world or in a man made design. As such, the elements of a pattern repeat in a predictable manner. Any of the five senses may directly observe patterns. Conversely, abstract patterns in science, mathematics, or language may be observable only by analysis. Direct observation in practice means seeing visual patterns, which are widespread in nature and in art. Visual patterns in nature are often chaotic , never exactly repeating, and often involve fractals . Natural patterns include spirals , meanders , waves , foams , tilings , cracks , and those created by symmetries of rotation and reflection . Patterns have an underlying mathematical structure; [1] indeed, mathematics can be seen as the search for regularities, and the output of any function is a mathematical pattern. Similarly in the scie...

Yvonne Lee Schultz is a German artist who has created porcelain gun replicas of James Bond’s Walther PPK and its contemporary sister, the P99. This Blue Onion Skin porcelain pattern is my favorite (thanks to its asymmetry). I both love and hate the shock factor of such a delicate motif used on a threatening non-functional proxy. Will someone pass the gun, er, I mean sugar? Image source: yvonneleeschultz.com

These decorative Ukrainian hand towels (called rushniky [plural] ) are used in a ceremonial manner, often for weddings or funerals. The red symbolizes life, the sun, fertility and health. 1 Additionally, they often have regional stitching and use floral or animal motifs. If I were to happen upon an outdoor market full of hanging rushniky, I think I'd be in proverbial Heaven. Image source: en.wikipedia.org

Canadian artist Christi Belcourt created this dotted floral pattern painting on a black background symbolizing nineteenth-century Métis beadwork . From her Lessons from the Earth exhibition (2003) the central flower symbolizes her mentor, a woman who was a great connector. As a fan of anything floral and decorative, this intricate piece is right down my alley: color, pattern, folk art-oriented and whimsy. The Conversation , 2003 Acrylic on Canvas 52" x 52"