Irregular Curvilinear Forms

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These curves stop short of geometric precision. A circle wobbles, an arc thickens and thins, the edge of a disc bleeds into its ground. The irregularity keeps the maker visible and gives shapes a sense of life and breath.

Henri Matisse's paper cut-outs of the 1940s and 50s, trimmed freely with scissors, are a clear example, and Jean Arp's wavering outlines anticipated them. Terry Frost built many abstractions from hand-cut semicircles and crescents that recall boats and harbour light at St Ives, while Ron Gorchov painted loose, soft-edged ovals on curved, saddle-shaped canvases. In ceramics, hand-thrown bowls with undulating rims carry the same quality into three dimensions. Look for curves that feel drawn or cut rather than constructed.