Intro to Philosophy


Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Back to Basics

 Think you know what a line is?  Sorry bucko, but it's not a straight answer.  Got a plane all figured out?  Come back down to Earth and sit in an upright position.  We're getting back to basics.  Get the point?

Point- a definite location in space that has no depth, length, width or height.



The right image shows that points can be literal and implied at the same time.  The recessed lights are points in themselves.  The corners where the walls meet can also be considered points.  These walls have to meet somewhere right?

Image from the londonglass.co.uk


Line- A line is a set of seemingly infinite points with negligible height or depth. 

Here, we can see that lines are everywhere!  The table, area rug, artwork, and curtains are all made up of lines.  Let's not forget about where the walls and ceiling meet.  Those are lines as well.  Even the lamp shade can be read as a line.

Image from Eileen Johnston Interiors


Plane- a two-dimensional shape composed of a series of lines with no depth.




Recessed ceilings, walls, and even the floor all considered planes.  Do not be confused; a plane is literally the surface of a form or mass.  Remember, planes have no depth!

Image from www.3dreid.com

Volume-  a three-dimensional form composed of points, lines, and planes and has mass.


 




                                                                                                              
Volume is also know as form.  Forms in this picture are the pillows, stairs, platform, and structure.  Volume is literally the culmination of point, line, and plane working together.

Image from tashen.com