Exploring Rotating Tessellations with a Square Grid

When it comes to tessellations, many of us think that we need to match up the corners perfectly in order to create a seamless pattern. However, what if I told you that this 'conservation of shape' is not always necessary? In fact, by experimenting with different shapes and motions, you can create rotating tessellations with ease.

The basic tile used for these patterns consists of a 4-by-4 grid of squares, each containing a smaller square, diamond, or circle. Instead of matching up the corners, try tracing one corner to an adjacent corner, then pulling it across and taping it down. This trial-and-error approach is what makes STEAM education in art so exciting.

For example, the Translation method is one of the most common ways to create tessellations. Geertje van de Kamp's work with two- and three-dimensional spatiality showcases this technique beautifully. By experimenting more in our classes, we can discover new patterns and shapes.

If you're drawing out your design, you'll notice that you've created a new square grid. To take it to the next level, connect each dot to the dots in the adjacent 4 squares. In the center of each square, draw a dot. Imagine a square grid like a checkerboard – it's a familiar pattern that can be transformed into something new and exciting.

Not only do squares tessellate, but so do triangles, parallelograms, and hexagrams. Certain shapes naturally create translating tessellations, making them a great starting point for your designs. Remember, the pieces can be rotated, flipped, or manipulated in various ways to achieve the desired pattern.

Most people work with just squares, but did you know that many of the same techniques apply equally well to rectangles? By expanding our techniques beyond basic shapes and rudimentary methods, we can breathe new life into our designs and even offer opportunities for expression.

While tessellations can be fun and connect us to math and geometry, they can also become tedious and mechanical if not approached with creativity. So the next time you're working on a tessellation project, remember that there's no need to match up those corners – just experiment and see what happens!

Rotating tessellation wit square grid