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Mondrian (inspired)

50300 Views 58 Replies 32 Participants Last post by BritBoxmaker, Oct 22, 2011

BritBoxmaker

Discussion Starter · Mar 28, 2010

5

First attempt

I've always liked the early 20th century artist, Piet Mondrian's Neo Plasticist style (example below) and would like to include this style of design in my box work.

As you can see his compositions use a white (and sometimes gray) background; red, yellow and blue and a strong black divider. I use Sycamore (white), Ebony (black), Padauk (red), Pau Amarello (yellow) and the only problem one is blue. The closest naturally occuring is Purpleheart.

I decided to take on an easy one first

and here's the result

Well a few days on and the pattern has made it into its box

The box is Sonokeling Rosewood with an Indian Rosewood liner (didn't have any Sonokeling left and had to raid the scraps box).

This also shows a variation on my basic mitred box construction where a liner in the main body of the box is used to locate the lid.

Martyn

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davidmicraig

· #2 · Mar 28, 2010

BritBoxmaker said:
First attempt

I've always liked the early 20th century artist, Piet Mondrian's Neo Plasticist style (example below) and would like to include this style of design in my box work.

As you can see his compositions use a white (and sometimes gray) background; red, yellow and blue and a strong black divider. I use Sycamore (white), Ebony (black), Padauk (red), Pau Amarello (yellow) and the only problem one is blue. The closest naturally occuring is Purpleheart.

I decided to take on an easy one first

and here's the result

Well a few days on and the pattern has made it into its box

The box is Sonokeling Rosewood with an Indian Rosewood liner (didn't have any Sonokeling left and had to raid the scraps box).

This also shows a variation on my basic mitred box construction where a liner in the main body of the box is used to locate the lid.

Martyn

Personally, I like what you are doing without the use of dye. I think that letting the various hues of the different species of wood makes these pieces unique, challenging, and more in spirit of the artist than using dyes. One of the problems I had with Neoplasticism is the quantity of artists that would use this as kind of cheating way to try to make a quick piece so that they can make a quick buck. Not a personal criticism of your work, I think it is a brilliant idea for boxes.

But, in my humble opinion, I think these would be more exceptional if you challenged yourself to mimic the style with the natural wood colors. There are times when you won't be able to find the exact color to match, but the efforts would still add your own unique vision to the concept. And the beauty of it all is that wood colors change over time, depending on exposure to light. So you would also have a box in which the colors would undergo change over time. So the piece would never stay the same. Which is kind of cool in itself.

My two cents

Great work!

David

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BritBoxmaker

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 28, 2010

BritBoxmaker said:
First attempt

I've always liked the early 20th century artist, Piet Mondrian's Neo Plasticist style (example below) and would like to include this style of design in my box work.

As you can see his compositions use a white (and sometimes gray) background; red, yellow and blue and a strong black divider. I use Sycamore (white), Ebony (black), Padauk (red), Pau Amarello (yellow) and the only problem one is blue. The closest naturally occuring is Purpleheart.

I decided to take on an easy one first

and here's the result

Well a few days on and the pattern has made it into its box

The box is Sonokeling Rosewood with an Indian Rosewood liner (didn't have any Sonokeling left and had to raid the scraps box).

This also shows a variation on my basic mitred box construction where a liner in the main body of the box is used to locate the lid.

Martyn

I take your point on the wood, David, I prefer the more natural approach also.

Fortunately I'm in the position of not having to make a 'fast buck' so this is more about me and the design side. There is some heavy copyright on Mondrian's work so, apart from this first pass, I'll be working in the Neoplastic Style not doing direct copies. Wherever that takes me, I'm already considering modifying my box making style slightly to accommodate some of the ideas I'm coming up with.

Thanks very much for the feedback

Martyn

Dennisgrosen

· #4 · Mar 28, 2010

BritBoxmaker said:
First attempt

I've always liked the early 20th century artist, Piet Mondrian's Neo Plasticist style (example below) and would like to include this style of design in my box work.

As you can see his compositions use a white (and sometimes gray) background; red, yellow and blue and a strong black divider. I use Sycamore (white), Ebony (black), Padauk (red), Pau Amarello (yellow) and the only problem one is blue. The closest naturally occuring is Purpleheart.

I decided to take on an easy one first

and here's the result

Well a few days on and the pattern has made it into its box

The box is Sonokeling Rosewood with an Indian Rosewood liner (didn't have any Sonokeling left and had to raid the scraps box).

This also shows a variation on my basic mitred box construction where a liner in the main body of the box is used to locate the lid.

Martyn

even with copyright there shuold not bee a problem out
from thoose pictures you show
did he made his in plastic or coloured til´s or paint on a screen
I know that if I cut something from a photos and makea collage
out of that there is no problem becourse it has been transformed
to another artistic piece
wooooden that bee the same if you use wood in naturel colours
even if you make it eksacly with the same dimensions everywhere
you have transformed it in to something else just inspired of him

Dennis

RichClark

· #5 · Mar 28, 2010

BritBoxmaker said:
First attempt

I've always liked the early 20th century artist, Piet Mondrian's Neo Plasticist style (example below) and would like to include this style of design in my box work.

As you can see his compositions use a white (and sometimes gray) background; red, yellow and blue and a strong black divider. I use Sycamore (white), Ebony (black), Padauk (red), Pau Amarello (yellow) and the only problem one is blue. The closest naturally occuring is Purpleheart.

I decided to take on an easy one first

and here's the result

Well a few days on and the pattern has made it into its box

The box is Sonokeling Rosewood with an Indian Rosewood liner (didn't have any Sonokeling left and had to raid the scraps box).

This also shows a variation on my basic mitred box construction where a liner in the main body of the box is used to locate the lid.

Martyn

You could use a water die and then seal it.. for a box inside it should do fine… I saw a guitar neck by a student at Red rocks Luther class that had a VIVID Blue Parrot in it.. Was Dyed Holly… was beautiful… Nice, Fun project… and I would not be afraid to experiment with it.. enjoy!

LisaC

· #6 · Mar 28, 2010

BritBoxmaker said:
First attempt

I've always liked the early 20th century artist, Piet Mondrian's Neo Plasticist style (example below) and would like to include this style of design in my box work.

As you can see his compositions use a white (and sometimes gray) background; red, yellow and blue and a strong black divider. I use Sycamore (white), Ebony (black), Padauk (red), Pau Amarello (yellow) and the only problem one is blue. The closest naturally occuring is Purpleheart.

I decided to take on an easy one first

and here's the result

Well a few days on and the pattern has made it into its box

The box is Sonokeling Rosewood with an Indian Rosewood liner (didn't have any Sonokeling left and had to raid the scraps box).

This also shows a variation on my basic mitred box construction where a liner in the main body of the box is used to locate the lid.

Martyn

This is beautiful, keep experimenting!

SPalm

· #7 · Mar 28, 2010

BritBoxmaker said:
First attempt

I've always liked the early 20th century artist, Piet Mondrian's Neo Plasticist style (example below) and would like to include this style of design in my box work.

As you can see his compositions use a white (and sometimes gray) background; red, yellow and blue and a strong black divider. I use Sycamore (white), Ebony (black), Padauk (red), Pau Amarello (yellow) and the only problem one is blue. The closest naturally occuring is Purpleheart.

I decided to take on an easy one first

and here's the result

Well a few days on and the pattern has made it into its box

The box is Sonokeling Rosewood with an Indian Rosewood liner (didn't have any Sonokeling left and had to raid the scraps box).

This also shows a variation on my basic mitred box construction where a liner in the main body of the box is used to locate the lid.

Martyn

That looks great to me. I would like it if the purple heart was replaced with walnut too. I think the natural woods done in this way would be nice. It will be fun to watch how you develop it. I had played around years ago with doing wooden stained glass, ala FLW.

Neat stuff,
Steve

PaulfromVictor

· #8 · Mar 28, 2010

BritBoxmaker said:
First attempt

I've always liked the early 20th century artist, Piet Mondrian's Neo Plasticist style (example below) and would like to include this style of design in my box work.

As you can see his compositions use a white (and sometimes gray) background; red, yellow and blue and a strong black divider. I use Sycamore (white), Ebony (black), Padauk (red), Pau Amarello (yellow) and the only problem one is blue. The closest naturally occuring is Purpleheart.

I decided to take on an easy one first

and here's the result

Well a few days on and the pattern has made it into its box

The box is Sonokeling Rosewood with an Indian Rosewood liner (didn't have any Sonokeling left and had to raid the scraps box).

This also shows a variation on my basic mitred box construction where a liner in the main body of the box is used to locate the lid.

Martyn

Martyn

Prior to this post, I was not familiar with Neo Plasticism. From a purist perspective, the purple not being a primary color I do not think fits the style. I do agree with David though that my eye prefers to see the natural tones of the wood. I would see this as "inspired" by the style rather than an example of it. That being said, I would say to go with what you feel shows off your style.

To achieve the blue, there are water based dyes that should be able to achieve your result. Transtint offers a blue:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11448

Bluebear

· #9 · Mar 28, 2010

BritBoxmaker said:
First attempt

I've always liked the early 20th century artist, Piet Mondrian's Neo Plasticist style (example below) and would like to include this style of design in my box work.

As you can see his compositions use a white (and sometimes gray) background; red, yellow and blue and a strong black divider. I use Sycamore (white), Ebony (black), Padauk (red), Pau Amarello (yellow) and the only problem one is blue. The closest naturally occuring is Purpleheart.

I decided to take on an easy one first

and here's the result

Well a few days on and the pattern has made it into its box

The box is Sonokeling Rosewood with an Indian Rosewood liner (didn't have any Sonokeling left and had to raid the scraps box).

This also shows a variation on my basic mitred box construction where a liner in the main body of the box is used to locate the lid.

Martyn

this is fantastic martyn!! you've given me yet more inspiration for future projects

scrollgirl

· #10 · Mar 28, 2010

BritBoxmaker said:
First attempt

I've always liked the early 20th century artist, Piet Mondrian's Neo Plasticist style (example below) and would like to include this style of design in my box work.

As you can see his compositions use a white (and sometimes gray) background; red, yellow and blue and a strong black divider. I use Sycamore (white), Ebony (black), Padauk (red), Pau Amarello (yellow) and the only problem one is blue. The closest naturally occuring is Purpleheart.

I decided to take on an easy one first

and here's the result

Well a few days on and the pattern has made it into its box

The box is Sonokeling Rosewood with an Indian Rosewood liner (didn't have any Sonokeling left and had to raid the scraps box).

This also shows a variation on my basic mitred box construction where a liner in the main body of the box is used to locate the lid.

Martyn

I had not seen this post before. I do like the look of this type of design. Crisp and clean. I agree with the above that using the natural colors of the wood is the way to go. Just my preference. I like the purple heart, however, and think the purple color of it gives an added bit of interest.

Great work as always.

Sheila

BritBoxmaker

Discussion Starter · #11 · Oct 12, 2011

6

Neoplastic Experiments

Having a play with the Neoplastic style, as used by Piet Mondrian in the early 20th Century.

Neoplastic A

Rectangle Font Pattern Tints and shades Magenta

Perhaps the addition of Orange dilutes the impact so

Neoplastic B

Rectangle Font Magenta Pattern Tints and shades

These should be ideal for wall art. I'm going to have a play. With the following wood selections

White - Sycamore
Yellow - Pau Amarello
Orange - Yew
Red - Padauk
Purple - Purpleheart ( To the best of my knowledge there is no naturally occurring blue wood)
Black - Ebony

And a box 'net'

Neoplastic C

Rectangle Font Magenta Parallel Pattern

Hope to have one or more of these out in the near future, time permitting.

Be seeing you.

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Sodabowski

· #12 · Oct 12, 2011

6

BritBoxmaker said:
Neoplastic Experiments

Having a play with the Neoplastic style, as used by Piet Mondrian in the early 20th Century.

Neoplastic A

Perhaps the addition of Orange dilutes the impact so

Neoplastic B

These should be ideal for wall art. I'm going to have a play. With the following wood selections

White - Sycamore
Yellow - Pau Amarello
Orange - Yew
Red - Padauk
Purple - Purpleheart ( To the best of my knowledge there is no naturally occurring blue wood)
Black - Ebony

And a box 'net'

Neoplastic C

Hope to have one or more of these out in the near future, time permitting.

Be seeing you.

Blue with no stain, be it fungal or whatever, no. That sounds to be a very interesting project once completed, I'm looking forward to your results!

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scrollgirl

· #13 · Oct 12, 2011

6

BritBoxmaker said:
Neoplastic Experiments

Having a play with the Neoplastic style, as used by Piet Mondrian in the early 20th Century.

Neoplastic A

Perhaps the addition of Orange dilutes the impact so

Neoplastic B

These should be ideal for wall art. I'm going to have a play. With the following wood selections

White - Sycamore
Yellow - Pau Amarello
Orange - Yew
Red - Padauk
Purple - Purpleheart ( To the best of my knowledge there is no naturally occurring blue wood)
Black - Ebony

And a box 'net'

Neoplastic C

Hope to have one or more of these out in the near future, time permitting.

Be seeing you.

It looks like it will be interesting. I have seen (and used) some 'blue pine' which had a greyish-blue cast to it. I don't think that it would do here though. I look forward to seeing what you will come up with. By the sound and look of things it will be quite interesting and detailed. I also am looking forward to the results.

Take care, Sheila

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SASmith

· #14 · Oct 12, 2011

6

BritBoxmaker said:
Neoplastic Experiments

Having a play with the Neoplastic style, as used by Piet Mondrian in the early 20th Century.

Neoplastic A

Perhaps the addition of Orange dilutes the impact so

Neoplastic B

These should be ideal for wall art. I'm going to have a play. With the following wood selections

White - Sycamore
Yellow - Pau Amarello
Orange - Yew
Red - Padauk
Purple - Purpleheart ( To the best of my knowledge there is no naturally occurring blue wood)
Black - Ebony

And a box 'net'

Neoplastic C

Hope to have one or more of these out in the near future, time permitting.

Be seeing you.

Nice pattern. It will make great wall art.

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davidmicraig

· #15 · Oct 12, 2011

6

BritBoxmaker said:
Neoplastic Experiments

Having a play with the Neoplastic style, as used by Piet Mondrian in the early 20th Century.

Neoplastic A

Perhaps the addition of Orange dilutes the impact so

Neoplastic B

These should be ideal for wall art. I'm going to have a play. With the following wood selections

White - Sycamore
Yellow - Pau Amarello
Orange - Yew
Red - Padauk
Purple - Purpleheart ( To the best of my knowledge there is no naturally occurring blue wood)
Black - Ebony

And a box 'net'

Neoplastic C

Hope to have one or more of these out in the near future, time permitting.

Be seeing you.

Wonderful design Martyn. I like how you are using the natural color of the wood instead of stain. I would agree that the Orange doesn't add to the piece and so my own favorites are B and C. Just a couple questions for you.

I am no expert on Neoplasticism but have seen a few pieces at the museum. I know that the design utilizes squares and rectangles where the dimensions of at least two of each side are the same. I noticed on the C design that, when you fold it, the purpleheart on the south and west side and the padauk on the north and west side will break from that pattern and produce blocks that deviate from the square/rectangle. Is this intentional?

2. Since purpleheart does alter in sunlight, are you using any UV inhibitors on the piece when finishing?

Thanks for showing the design in process.

David

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Michael1

· #16 · Oct 12, 2011

6

BritBoxmaker said:
Neoplastic Experiments

Having a play with the Neoplastic style, as used by Piet Mondrian in the early 20th Century.

Neoplastic A

Perhaps the addition of Orange dilutes the impact so

Neoplastic B

These should be ideal for wall art. I'm going to have a play. With the following wood selections

White - Sycamore
Yellow - Pau Amarello
Orange - Yew
Red - Padauk
Purple - Purpleheart ( To the best of my knowledge there is no naturally occurring blue wood)
Black - Ebony

And a box 'net'

Neoplastic C

Hope to have one or more of these out in the near future, time permitting.

Be seeing you.

I am sure that these will turn out awesome as your designs usually do. looking forward to seeing the results!!

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BritBoxmaker

Discussion Starter · #17 · Oct 12, 2011

6

BritBoxmaker said:
Neoplastic Experiments

Having a play with the Neoplastic style, as used by Piet Mondrian in the early 20th Century.

Neoplastic A

Perhaps the addition of Orange dilutes the impact so

Neoplastic B

These should be ideal for wall art. I'm going to have a play. With the following wood selections

White - Sycamore
Yellow - Pau Amarello
Orange - Yew
Red - Padauk
Purple - Purpleheart ( To the best of my knowledge there is no naturally occurring blue wood)
Black - Ebony

And a box 'net'

Neoplastic C

Hope to have one or more of these out in the near future, time permitting.

Be seeing you.

David, in my experience both Purlpeheart and Padauk suffer colour change when exposed to UV light. So far I have noticed this on both Impossible II and Inverted World. I am not aware of any products that could help with this, are you? Otherwise I am pragmatic about any colour change or fade-out. That's life I suppose.

Regarding the pattern for Neoplastic C. I hadn't noticed the non-rectangular block problem thanks for pointing this out.

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Dennisgrosen

· #18 · Oct 12, 2011

6

BritBoxmaker said:
Neoplastic Experiments

Having a play with the Neoplastic style, as used by Piet Mondrian in the early 20th Century.

Neoplastic A

Perhaps the addition of Orange dilutes the impact so

Neoplastic B

These should be ideal for wall art. I'm going to have a play. With the following wood selections

White - Sycamore
Yellow - Pau Amarello
Orange - Yew
Red - Padauk
Purple - Purpleheart ( To the best of my knowledge there is no naturally occurring blue wood)
Black - Ebony

And a box 'net'

Neoplastic C

Hope to have one or more of these out in the near future, time permitting.

Be seeing you.

looks interressting Martyn

for blue wood with out stain
look at one of http://lumberjocks.com/sydney blogs/project
the one where he made a bowl with yellow and blue wood mixed together
in cirkels since I can´t remember the names of the wood he use

take care
Dennis

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Dark_Lightning

· #19 · Oct 12, 2011

6

BritBoxmaker said:
Neoplastic Experiments

Having a play with the Neoplastic style, as used by Piet Mondrian in the early 20th Century.

Neoplastic A

Perhaps the addition of Orange dilutes the impact so

Neoplastic B

These should be ideal for wall art. I'm going to have a play. With the following wood selections

White - Sycamore
Yellow - Pau Amarello
Orange - Yew
Red - Padauk
Purple - Purpleheart ( To the best of my knowledge there is no naturally occurring blue wood)
Black - Ebony

And a box 'net'

Neoplastic C

Hope to have one or more of these out in the near future, time permitting.

Be seeing you.

I likes it!

I think there are finishes with UV inhibitors, but given the ubiquity of sunlight, it's going to win in the end, I expect.

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Perfect45Degree

· #20 · Oct 12, 2011

6

BritBoxmaker said:
Neoplastic Experiments

Having a play with the Neoplastic style, as used by Piet Mondrian in the early 20th Century.

Neoplastic A

Perhaps the addition of Orange dilutes the impact so

Neoplastic B

These should be ideal for wall art. I'm going to have a play. With the following wood selections

White - Sycamore
Yellow - Pau Amarello
Orange - Yew
Red - Padauk
Purple - Purpleheart ( To the best of my knowledge there is no naturally occurring blue wood)
Black - Ebony

And a box 'net'

Neoplastic C

Hope to have one or more of these out in the near future, time permitting.

Be seeing you.

I love Piet Mondrian! Nice choice. I know it will be beautiful! Have fun.

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