Balance

Balance Robbie Buchanan May 2007

Balance • Definition: The quality of a floral arrangement that gives a sense of equilibrium and repose (position). • As humans, we can tell when things are not balanced and we tend to avoid imbalance (ladders, shelves, branches, and other things that may be a physical threat).

Two types of balance: • Actual physical balance • Perceived visual balance

Physical Balance • Physical balance is also called mechanical balance • Mechanical balance (or physical balance) means that the arrangement has to be mechanically sound to be able to stand on its own • A design should be stable and should support itself.

Mechanical Balance • If a design falls over easily, or looks like it would fall over easily, it is not mechanically balanced

Physical balance is achieved by having a container of the right size, weight and shape for the flowers it will hold. • In general, an equal amount of flowers and foliage (greenery) are placed on all sides of the container.

Materials are distributed evenly so that the container will support them.

Visual Balance • Achieved when the arrangement gives a feeling of stability. • An arrangement can be mechanically balanced (it will not fall over easily) but not visually balanced.

Visual Balance • If an arrangement does not look balanced, it is disturbing and not visually balanced.

Four types of visual balance: • Symmetrical balance • Asymmetrical balance • Radial balance • Open balance

Symmetrical Balance • One side is a mirror image of the other side • Symmetrical balance displays strength and stability and is often used for formal events

Symmetrical Balance • These types of arrangements sometimes look too planned and a near-symmetry pattern is often used.

Near-symmetry pattern • The flowers on opposing sides vary, but are alike and do not take away from the symmetry of the arrangement

Asymmetrical Balance • Achieved by placing unequal visual weight on each side of a central vertical axis.

Asymmetrical Balance • Often called “informal” balance • Requires more thought than “formal” or symmetrical balance

Balance by Position (Asymmetrical) • Just as an adult can balance a child on a seesaw, flowers can balance one another by their positions in an arrangement

Balance by Position (Asymmetrical) • A large flower closer to the focal point can balance a small object on the outside of the design

Accessories/figurines (Asymmetrical) • Accessories and figurines can also be used to give a sense of equilibrium or balance in an arrangement

Radial Balance • All elements of a design showing radial balance radiate out from a common central point in the arrangement

Radial Balance • Radial balance can be: Asymmetrical Symmetrical

Open Balance • Neither prominently symmetrical or asymmetrical • Material is used in a more relaxed way with open balance • There are no rules or format to rely on • We rely on perceived balance (how you see it)

What kind(s) of balance is/are shown below? • Physical/ Mechanical • Visual • Symmetrical • Near-symmetry • Asymmetrical • Radial • Open

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Presentation Transcript

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