Scribbled Lives Week 31—Notan

When creating images, artists often think about composition—the placement of elements in relation to one another. Notan is a Japanese design concept involving the play and placement of light and dark elements next to each other. The circular ying and yang symbol is an example of this design philosophy.

 The concept of Notan is that dark and light elements are equally important and need each other to exist. Negative space cannot exist without positive space, and vice versa.

 “Your value lies not in status or title, but in the roots of your character and depth of your compassion.” Mollie Marti

Pigma micron, Dr. Martin’s Pen White on Canson Mi-Teintes cut and mounted on Saunders Waterford 140# HP.