A Study of Contrast

Sherrie, Ada, and I have embarked on a study of contrast. After a rambling discussion, we decided each of us needed to do some research and solidify thoughts.

I looked up definitions of contrast in assorted dictionaries to get the thought process going. My findings follow.

Contrast:

1. the act of contrasting
2. a striking exhibition of unlikeness; a great difference
3. a person or thing that is strikingly unlike in comparison, that shows differences when put side by side with another
4. opposition or juxtaposition of different forms, lines, or colors in a work of art to intensify each element's properties and produce a more dynamic expressiveness; the putting close together of varied forms or colors to heighten their effect, and the effect of the whole composition by comparison
5. the relative difference between light and dark areas of a print or negative
6. the brightness ration of the lightest to the darkest part of the television screen image
7. a difference between linguistic elements, esp sounds, that can serve to distinguish meanings

I also found the etymology for the word. Contrast comes from the French contraster and from two Latin words contra (against) and stare (to stand). Originally it meant to fight against or to withstand as two opposing sides in a battle would do. The term contrast was re-introduced in the 1700s as an art term. This was an interesting thought. The quilt with all its blocks, fabrics, colors, and quilting is like a battleground. Each element is trying to stand out against the others and gain the viewer's attention. The strongest one wins. If all are of equal strength, the eye wanders around not knowing where to focus.

I noticed that the 4th definition referred to the opposition or juxtaposition of different forms, lines, or colors. I made a list of different types of contrast from a quilting perspective.

1. Color - blue vs red
2. Value - light vs dark
3. Scale - large vs small
4. Pattern - plaid vs floral
5. Shape - square vs round

The 5th definition refers to the relative difference between light and dark areas of a print or negative. This made me think about the advice to organize the fabrics to be used in a quilt from lightest to darkest without considering the color. (To do this you have to view the fabrics through blue and green filters.) The amount of difference between the darkest and the lightest fabrics would be the degree of contrast.

1. High - medium red vs white
2. Medium - medium red vs medium blue
3. Low - medium red vs medium red

Every quilt does not need to have the highest degree of contrast possible. If that was the case, we would all use solid black and white in every quilt and then mix in some mediums.

Next I asked myself why I would use a high, medium, or low degree of contrast.

Why high contrast?

1. for dramatic effect
2. for immediate focus on a particular element of the quilt
3. to showcase exquisite piecing and applique

Why medium contrast?

1. cozy, comfortable quilts
2. scrap quilts with many fabrics

Why low contrast?

1. to add interest without overpowering; for example, pieced backgrounds for applique
2. to give the eye a resting spot before it moves on to focus on another area

Consider contrast throughout the quiltmaking process. Do you have the desired amount of contrast:

1. within individual blocks,
2. between blocks,
3. between blocks and sashing, setting pieces, borders, etc,
4. between thread (quilting) and the surface?

Prior to embarking on this study, I didn't consciously think about contrast. After all this research, I felt like I was now confused about contrast and would have no idea how to explain it to someone. When we convened to talk about our research, Sherrie said something that hit home with me. Be more purposeful about the use of contrast.