The
hexes are constructed using skills we learned in geometry,
for bisecting lines and angles,
dividing a circle into 6 equal arcs and by connecting points
on these figures and circles with arcs or lines.
Non-geometric
motifs are positioned equally spaced around the circle using
guide lines, which are then erased.
The
non-geometric forms can be hand painted, or traced on lightly
with a pencil from a pattern cut from stiff paper.
Traditional
hexen are painted directly on the barn surface, and use
a minimal number of primary colors, black and white. The
painted used a compass made from a nail, string and pencil
to inscribe large circles and arcs. Modern hexen are painted
on plywood circles that are painted in the same color as
the barn and mounted with screws. They can also be painted
on smaller circles for display in the house, and sometimes
are used to adorn hope chests, baby cradles or decorative
(or functional) boxes. I also paint the designs on muslin
circles which I mount in embroidery hoops, for indoor use.
Most
decorative hexen available commercially are mass produced
screen printing on metal. If you are interested in commissioning
a hex for your house, garage or barn, or a would like to
investigate a hand-painted indoor hex, email
the artist and we can discuss your needs. Check out
the hex STORE for examples of traditional
hexen that I regularly paint on stretched muslin for indoor
display and plywood circles for your home or barn and these recently painted custom hex signs.
