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Drawing Islamic Geometric Patterns using a Compass and Straightedge

Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery

We begin with a blank sheet of paper and step by step draw layers of lines and circles using a compass and straightedge. From this underlying grid, we can derive a series of related patterns. These are patterns that would have been drawn in the same way across the Islamic Lands for many centuries. They have adorned architecture and objects and illuminated Manuscripts from Spain across to China from the 8th century till now. To begin the session Samira will outline the process, tools and potential outcomes. She will then guide you through drawing a single unit of a repeating pattern step by step so participants may draw along at the same time. Samira will then demonstrate how to draw a slightly more complex pattern derived from the same underlying grid. As this will be at a slightly quicker pace, participants will be sent a PDF step by step guide to aid them to continue drawing a range of related patterns after the session. Materials required: A4 plain paper x 2, a compass, a sharp pencil, a ruler, fineliner pens, sharpener, eraser, colouring pens & pencils. You may already have these tools, but if you wish to buy from Samiraâ s recommendations, please review the source list of equipment, here: <a href="https://www.samiramian.uk/equipment">https://www.samiramian.uk/equipment</a>.

In my Introduction I will refer to <strong>Sixfold patterns</strong></a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watchv=yCYDEMkP7EU">#42 Islamic Geometric Patterns on an Isometric Grid</a>

I will then go through the construction in <a href="http://www.birs.ca/workshops/2021/21w2240/files/Samira_Mian.pdf" target="_new">this PDF</a>, but will also refer to the following:

<strong>Weaving/interlacing </strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watchv=iIvjkR_15h0&t=178s">TECHNIQUES #1 - Four Ways to Weave - How to draw Islamic Geometry</a>

<strong>Constructing a tiling larger than 2 by 2</strong>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watchv=bnKkW9mCgCE">#16 - 3 x 3 square tiling - How to draw Islamic Geometry</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watchv=k6YoqYGdQ8Q">#17 - 4 x 4 square tiling - How to draw Islamic Geometry</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watchv=HH6ekZ-mii0">#18 - 5 x 5 square tiling - How to draw Islamic Geometry</a>

Mathematics; Geometry; Education; Art; Research

video/mp4

Author affiliation: Samira Mian Islamic Geometry

2021-08-21

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/79363

Unreviewed

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/