20 ELEMENTS OF ART

LIGHT

Light in an art element as well as a utilitarian element. It has
a definite emotional effect. Light is stimulating; darkness is de-
pressing. A sunshiny day makes us sparkle, and a dark day makes
us dull. Those who are so unfortunate as to occupy only north
rooms in the winter time realize the gloom that results from lack
of sunshine. On the other hand, light that is too brilliant exhausts
us physically and is as offensive esthetically aS loud noise. In our
homes we should have available, but under control, all the light
that we can use.

The shadow element too is an important decorative factor both
indoors and out. Architects use shadows for emphasis, in the front
door, in overhanging eaves, under porch roofs, under siding boards,
and on uneven surfaces such as stone or brick. In interiors, shad-
ows assist decoratively, serving as a foil for light.

Daylight is such an important factor in the appearance of a room
that no plan of decoration should be made without considering
the exposure, the number of windows, the amount of sunshine that
enters the room, the trees or vines that shut out light, and what
season of the year the room is used most. As much daylight as is
desired can now be procured by means of glass walls or large
windows extending from floor to ceiling. Movable curtains should
be provided, however, so that the quantity of light can easily be
controlled to fit the needs of the occupants of a room*

Modern artificial light, particularly electric light, is not only a
remarkable functional utility but also a marvelous flexible art
medium. It should be used in a room as an artist uses light in a
picture. Artificial light may produce unity by its diffusion through
the entire room. It may show contrast and emphasis by bringing
bright light to important areas while subordinate areas remain in
the shadows. It can bring rhythm and continuity to a room's fur-
nishings by linking together various points of emphasis* The sub-
ject of artificial lighting is thoroughly covered k Chapter 18*

American designers, particularly the Modem ones, have learned
to employ artificial light with excellent results. Designers of light-
ing for homes became aware of the great potentialities of artificial
light through its tise in the modern theater.