[mh2753]

My niche hobby is exploring patterns in Islamic Geometry and trying to re create them. It is an art of creating pleasing and aesthetic geometric patterns (from intersecting circles mostly). The art form is very popular in decorating Mosques and other Islamic monuments as human/animal representation is forbidden.

[Edit] The thing that I find the most fascinating is that all the complex design you see, are done with only using a pair of compass and rulers.

[madaxe_again]

That’s neat - I always find the sheer depth of expression that’s managed with a handful of primitives extremely impressive.

Have you ever come across Penrose tilings? If not, they might be something you’d also find interesting:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penrose_tiling

[nanna]

This is something I wanted to get into after vising Alhambra, which really is the "mirror of paradise" that it purported to be. You say that the complex designs are done by hand, but given how mathematical they are it left me wondering if there is a thriving scene of computer-generated patterns?

[mh2753]

The floral designs (arabesque) are done by hand and the geometric tiling is ruler/compass based. I focus mostly on the geometric part of it, since I dont have the dexterity to do the arabesque by hand.

To your point of Computer generated Imagery, I think it would be too easy, but that would definitely take the fun away

[srean]

Ah symmetry. I am still besotted with spirographs.

Happy to meet you.

Want to visit Isfahan someday. Now is not the time I guess. The standard recommendation is Alhambra of course.

[mh2753]

Yes, Isfahan is on my bucket list too. In the news for the wrong reasons these days unfortunately.

[srean]

Yeah. So disheartening. Wish you are able to one day and wish none of those have sustained any damage. Many have, in Tehran.

By the way you might like making kaleidoscopes.

I have found using compass and ruler only methods much more accurate because I don't have a drafting board or anything. The usual school supply rulers are not finely graduated enough to rely on them. In fact they aren't long enough for my purposes (although I can get a longer one if I want. The fun of deducing compass constructions is its own reward).

Even simple things such as drawing a parallel can become insufficiently accurate. With compass and ruler, much better. Ideally one should have drafting board and T square.

[4ggr0]

are you muslim yourself or did the artistry itself pique your interest? just curious about it, hope that's not a weird question.

[mh2753]

I am. My interest developed after visiting a number of Mosques/Monuments and seeing the intricate designs.

[4ggr0]

stunning buildings and patterns. not religious myself but i have to admit that lots of old, religious sites are absolutely beautiful. i just looked at images of some old mosques (not really a thing where i am), and they look gorgeous :) i get why they inspire you artistically.