“Patterns are ordered and emergent relationships. Visible patterns are rhythms in space.” ~ Laura Sewall, Sight and Sensibility
Patterns, patterns, patterns. They’re everywhere, both visible and invisible. Anthropologist Gregory Bateson calls them ‘the bones of the universe.’ I agree. They are the underlying thread, bringing order out of chaos. We’re always seeking those patterns to help explain the world.
Patterns are simply repetition. When something happens three or more times, it’s a pattern. Seeing patterns in nature and the built environment is one of my favourite things to do. In photography, they bring a sense of order to a photograph. Once you start looking, you’ll find them in the form of spirals, starbursts, and ripples.
Patterns aren’t stagnant, however. They’re constantly shifting and changing, adapting to their environment. Sewall shares a fascinating example in her book of this at work. Leaves growing in shade and moist air tend to be more round and less differentiated than leaves growing in drier microclimates with more light exposure. There’s a relationship between the landscape and the plant that affects the pattern.
For the next few weeks, we’ll explore different types of patterns - visible and invisible - and how they contribute to seeing clearly. Why notice patterns? Because they emerge from and are signals of relationship.
Types of Patterns in Nature
“Patterns in nature are visible regularities of form found in the natural world.” ~ Wikipedia
Symmetries - are pervasive in many living things, plants and animals. There are two main types, bilateral (same on left and right) and radial or rotational (same as you rotate it). Sunflowers have both.
Fractals - are branching forms, and trees are a primary example. Leonardo da Vinci stated that the branches of a tree at every level are equivalent to the thickness of the trunk (or parent). Doesn’t that blow the mind? Fractal patterns can also be found in clouds, river networks, geologic fault lines, mountains, coastlines, animal coloration, snowflakes, crystals, blood vessel branching, and ocean waves.
Spirals - are curves around a fixed, central point and are common in plants (aloe, sunflower seed heads, red cabbage) and some animals (bighorn sheep and many molluscs).
Meanders - are curving lines that have to do with the way something flows when it encounters obstacles. Examples include rivers, of course, slithering snakes, clouds, and corals.
Waves - are disturbances that carry energy as they move and create ripples. They are most often seen in water waves and sand dunes.
Bubbles and Foams - are spheres that cover a minimal surface area. They can be found in soap and water, boiling water, and pond scum.
Tessellations - are patterns formed by repeating tiles over a flat surface. They’re rare in living things but can be found in the nests of wasps, and the wax cells of honeycomb, as well as scales on bony fish and some reptiles.
Cracks - are linear openings that form in materials to relieve stress. They can be found in pottery, on concrete roads and dried mud, and palm trunks.
Spots and Stripes - are present in many living things, probably due to survival adaptations. Leopards and ladybugs have spots; angelfish and zebras have stripes. You’ll find both on butterflies.
Practice
This week, let’s become aware of the many visible patterns that surround you every day in the natural and built environment. Can you find examples of each of the different types?
Learn more about the patterns you see by exploring the dynamic system that led to their emergence.
In his free, online book of photographic psychology, John Suler describes two types of patterns: geometric (ordered, precise, logical) and organic (flowing, free-form, peaceful). Which type are you more drawn towards? Why do you think that is?
Share your patterns on Instagram and add the hashtag #seeingclearly2021. Or, tell us about your experience of patterns in the comments. Next week, we’ll look at invisible patterns through rhythm and relationships.
Resources
Patterns in Nature - a book by Phillip Ball