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Rhythm and Pattern

Use the plus and minus symbols to zoom in to the work of art to look at more details.

What do you discover about the materials? What do you notice about the texture of the artwork? What descriptive words would you use to describe how you imagine the surface might feel? (It is fun to use your imagination to explore how a work of art might feel, but to protect the art, we do not allow people to touch the art at the Museum.) Talk about what you see with a friend or write notes and share them with a friend later.

Discuss

In large or small groups, observe and discuss the work of art.

What shapes do you see? In what ways are they repeated? In what ways are shapes combined together? Draw what you see to help you look closer.

The artist who created this artwork used a combination of organic and geometric shapes. Work with friends or classmates to define organic and geometric. (See the drop-down feature below for definitions.)

  • Organic Shapes  Organic shapes are similar to those found in nature, like shapes you see in plants, animals, or rocks. Organic shapes often have curvy lines and irregular forms.

    Geometric Shapes  Geometric shapes are related to math principles like lines and angles. Geometric shapes often have straight lines and defined angles and are more often found in manufactured things, such as buildings or machines. Examples of geometric shapes include squares, triangles, circles, or rectangles.

Zoomed in image of Chilkat Blanket
What are some shapes that you see in this work of art that look organic?       

Draw an example on your page

What are some shapes that look geometric?                                                                 

Draw an example on your page

Let's Explore More

Pattern  When elements such as shapes, letters, or sounds are combined together in repetition, this is called a pattern. What examples of patterns do you find in the artwork?

What other examples of patterns can you think of or notice around you? Think about your experiences with music, nature, math, or art.

Image of Chilkat Blanket

Symmetry  In this work of art, the artist used the principle of symmetry to help guide the design. Symmetry is when both sides are a mirror image of each other.

Draw an imaginary vertical line in the middle of this work of art. Where can you find examples of symmetry? What shapes or elements reflect one another?

Chilkat Blanket

Create

The artist who created this blanket used principles of pattern, symmetry, and repetition to help guide the design. Create your own artwork using repeating shapes, colors, and symmetry. Choose 2 to 4 shapes from the handout below, or draw a few shapes of your own. Cut out a template that you can trace for each shape so that they are the same.  You might want to cut out a few copies of each shape so you can play around with your design. Place the shapes on a page or on your desktop and arrange them in different ways. See what new shapes you can make by combining them together. What ways can you repeat shapes to create patterns within your design? What ways can you create symmetry?

When you have a design, trace it on a page. Add color to your design. How can you create additional patterns with the colors you choose?

Geometric Shapes
Shapes for pattern activity Download File SLAM_download

View Chilkat Blanket in the online collection

  • Image credits in order of appearance

    Tlingit artist; Chilkat Blanket, c.1870; mountain-goat wool, cedar bark, and dye; 52 x 72 1/2 in. (132.1 x 184.2 cm); Saint Louis Art Museum, Gift of Elissa and Paul Cahn 266:2017

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