Design 2

Design 1 by Ellen Richman is built on a restrained composition where color, proportion, and balance define the structure of the work. The surface is divided into two dominant fields—red on the left and yellow on the right—creating a clear chromatic tension across the vertical axis.

At the center, two rectangular forms—one in muted blue and the other in deep navy—intersect the boundary between these larger color planes. Their placement introduces a focal point that anchors the composition while subtly disrupting the symmetry of the background.

The geometry is simple yet deliberate. Each element is reduced to essential form, allowing the relationship between color and space to take precedence. The contrast between warm and cool tones, as well as between saturated and subdued hues, generates a quiet visual rhythm.

Texture plays an important role in the perception of the work. The handwoven surface introduces slight variations in tone and density, softening the precision of the geometry and adding depth to the color fields. These nuances become more apparent with proximity, reinforcing the tactile nature of the piece.

Rather than relying on complexity, Design 1 operates through clarity and control. The composition remains stable and contained, with each element carefully positioned to maintain equilibrium. The result is a work that emphasizes proportion, color interaction, and the subtle tension between structure and variation within the woven medium.