Line describes shape. In the parlance of the visual arts, line articulates the complexity of shape. There are three basic shapes, the square, circle, and equilateral triangle. Each of the basic shapes has its own ‘unique’ character and characteristics and to each is attached a great deal of meaning, some through association, some through arbitrary attached meaning, and some through our own psychological and physiological perceptions. The square has associated to it dullness, honesty, straightness, and workman like meaning; the triangle, action, conflict, tension; the circle, endlessness, warmth, protection.
All the basic shapes are fundamental, simple planar figures, which can be easily described and constructed either visually or verbally. A square is a four-sided figure with exactly equal right angles at each corner and sides of exactly the same length. A circle is a continuously curved figure whose outline is at all points equidistant from its center point. An equilateral triangIe is a three-sided figure whose angles and sides are all equal.
From these basic shapes in end less combinations and variat ions, we derive all physical forms in nature and in the imagination of man.
