§ 7.—NOTE ON SYMMETRY.
A desire for Symmetry often accompanies these two treatments. This is a quality to be avoided whenever possible in Natural foliage design. The so-called "Turn-over patterns" are an economy in Weaving-design, but the economy is of the wrong kind. An artist should spend his thought to spare material or cost in working. When he spares his thought—making the least amount of thought cover the greatest amount of surface—then is his work worth to the world just what it has cost him, i.e., very little.
So injurious is the influence of Symmetry in Natural foliage design, that it might almost be a test question—"Is the design symmetrical?" When the exigencies of Machine-reproduction necessitate this with Natural foliage—it is a hardship which the Artist regretfully accepts, and no one would willingly make a design for Hand-reproduction which was symmetrical; rather would he spend himself to insure the worthier result which ensues from Balance.
An example of Symmetry is given in Fig. 4; and of Balance in Fig. 5. Each panel contains two classes of Elements:—Natural foliage (i.e., two branches of the Bay tree), and an Artificial object (i.e., a Ribbon which ties them). The lower Element (i.e., the Ribbon) is treated symmetrically in both panels: the higher Element (i.e., the Branches) are symmetrical in the former panel, and balanced in the latter. This latter treatment, will be seen to be not only the more interesting, but the more like the infinite variety of Nature; while the former is a wasted opportunity, and contrary to Nature.
FIG. 4
The Student will observe by experience that the mind soon tires of Artificiality, both in Curvature and in Symmetry; the lines of Nature have a pleasant freshness and inexhaustible variety; and the Natural method of treating Nature is not only the most true, but also the most beautiful.
FIG. 5