Design and the Golden Ratio
Saturday- January 30, 2021
Dear Marion,
I’ve been thinking about the Golden Ratio and how it has stood the test of time and influenced a broad spectrum of careers including artists, mathematicians, scientists, and naturalists. To refresh my memory of its unique description, I looked it up, it has also been called the golden mean, divine proportion, golden proportion, golden number, golden rectangle, etc. Basically(one description), when a rectangle is divided and it continues to create a pleasing rectangle of the same ratio (note: my attached photo). As far back as the Greek and Roman period, there has been evidence of this equation being used to design pleasing architecture(ie. the Parthenon) as well as paintings and figure drawings. Contemporary designer/artists’ may not be focused on accurately using the equation while creating, however. most designers and/or artists will say that they are influenced or at least aware of the success it can bring to a project.
Imagine if we could design 2021 using the golden ratio or our own, unique, and individual future. What would we see, want, hear, and smell? I have some pretty good thoughts on this subject that could bring me joy….and my loved ones too(whether they would like it?). This option for a control freak like me seems golden and very much desirable. Spontaneity. There you have it, a perfect flaw in this plan. Without spontaneous decisions (road trips, walks on the beach, kiss under the full moon, stops for ice cream), we would miss out on some of the most joyful moments in our lives. Sometimes something is special because we didn’t pre-plan or design them as such. This can be trying(I can hear you laughing) when you have a family and yet simultaneously rewarding. As most parents will tell you no matter the age of your children there is always something unexpected that is bound to alter or change the plans you have made at a moments notice. I believe this happens regardless of status- single, parent, grand parent, if you’re still breathing then you are acquainted with ever changing circumstances.
We were watching something on tv that filmed quite beautifully the metamorphosis of an American Painted Butterfly. It all begins with a miniscule egg, grows to a caterpillar that eats with a strong jaw off its host plant until its skin gets too tight and releases it. Eventually a chrysalis forms and the process evolves, releasing its encasement, and allowing air to dry the wings and pump blood through before taking flight. How beautiful, orderly, and utterly efficient. The colors and pattern created are both exquisite and unique. All of this unfolding before our eyes- an explosion of design that is perfectly planned and yet appears spontaneous. The caterpillar is beautiful and working hard to achieve its next stage. The cocoon faze is for me a bit ugly but it is appearing to be working hard both at evolving and resting while preparing for the most exquisite coming out party. When the butterfly breaks through they must eat, find a mate, and reproduce before their demise at the ripe old age of 2 weeks! All of this proving to me that life is beautiful, but make no mistake no one has it easy and life goes by quickly.
As you know, I often read a few books at a time depending on my mood and schedule. Michael J. Fox’s most recent book, No Time Like The Future - An Optimist Considers Mortality was interesting, funny, solemn, and hopeful. Purchased a month or two ago, I started, stopped, and then it was the perfect time to get immersed earlier this week. I have always appreciated him as an actor and was aware that he has spent much of his adulthood helping others particularly through his foundation for Parkinson’s research. I did not however realize what it was like to accomplish all that he has done while striving for a full life as a husband, father, son, friend, actor, writer, producer...and golfer. Through his witty and heartfelt descriptions of his commitment to marriage, family, and friends, I found myself cheering him on when things went well and a strong sense of empathy when he had major setbacks. He has a beautiful life so I did not feel sorry for him however his writing gave me a window into how hard he has had to navigate his way through to achieve his moments. Life is beautiful...and life is challenging. He certainly knows how to show us the ups and downs and ins and outs of life… and a beautiful one at that.
Often the most growth comes on the heels of falling in the deepest hole. Just when I feel like giving up or I need to be scraped off of the pavement and plopped back into the thick of it...you know the moment of utter failure, that is when the next stage blossoms. That next chapter that you couldn’t have imagined if you didn’t fail and need to find another path. Sometimes following an equation or a plan takes you to where you need to go and sometimes you need to employ another way. Good design makes me feel better. What is good design? Something that is thoughtful, takes into consideration the needs of whatever it is or whomever ever is using it. It can be simple...or complicated.
We were making muffins this week and decided why make one kind when you can make three?. What kind? ….Mini Lemon, Crumb Cake, and Chocolate Chocolate Chip. All bases were covered and each family member had their own favorite. Out our kitchen window, we watched as another metamorphosis was taking place. The home behind us was gutted and then demolished to the ground. It will be interesting to see what design tools they use to design their new space. Golden Ratio?
Talk soon,
Forever Yours
Quote:
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
Steve Jobs
American businessman magnate, industrial designer, investor, media proprietor, cofounder of Apple Inc.
1955-2011