Katgraham's Math Odyssey!
Welcome To The World Of Math Art.
What exactly is math art? Math art is the visible modeling of mathematics concepts. Models represent various real world or imaginary world ideas and things. Both acknowledged mathematicians and others, considered 'Artists', have performed in this arena.
Why do we study math art? What does it have to offer to us? What can we learn? Both the analysis and creation of original math art can lead us to greater appreciation of mathematics. Mathematicians might argue that there is aesthetic value to a formal math proof. The inherent logic holds a certain fascination for many. Visual aesthetic value is inherent in a geometric construction. Perfectly executed geometric constructions display a talent for precision and allow us to understand the relationship between various geometric forms. Both of these acts are part of the venue of math art. However, they are not the only forms.
Specifically, we will be studying the works of M.C. Escher, the tangram patterns of the ancient Chinese, the engravings of Albrech Dürer, the sketchings of Leonardo Da Vinci and the architectural designs of both ancient and modern builders. Even the creation of mathematical symbols can be considered representative of math art. Consider the Chinese character representations. These characters, representing alphabet and numerical ideas have been practiced by both scholars, philosophers and artists for centuries. Consider also our fascination with computer generated animations and still representations. Do you know what 'Ray Tracing' is?
Too often in the study of mathematics we fail to make the transition between the value of arithmetic practice and the geometric patterning in the real world. Many noted mathematicians have not been great at computation. Their impact has been made in other mathematical forums such as geometry, logic, and topological study to name just a few. There are no math genes. If someone says "I have never been good at math." they are really saying that they have not had the opportunity to find the nitch within the mathematical philosophies and studies that they are best suited for.
Please take the time to enjoy the links that are provided in this section. Explore the possibilities. Learn to observe the world in terms of geometric patterns. You may discover that you also are both a mathematician and an artist!
The links are separated into the following categories:
Geometric Forms Of Math Art
Specific Examples Of Math Art: The Artists
Visual Illusions: Studied by psychologists to understand how brains translate visual information
Math Art Class Projects: Throughout the year students will receive these assignments.
Platonic Solids: Learn about Plato and discover the possibilities of modeling
- Peter T. Wang's Home Page: Math Art and Philosophy. Beautiful portfolio and great attitude about the meaning of math art. Check out his studies pages. A true math artist from Cal Tech.
- Platonic Solids: Platonic Realms Mathematics Encyclopedia Discussion and Illustrations
What exactly are Polyhedra? Beautiful models are exhibited at these sites
- Henry Chasey's Polyhedral Models: Fabulous models of polyhedra. They are individual math jewelery! Check it out!
- George W. Hart's Pavillion of Polyhedreality: Wow... what more can I say. You could probably find sufficient evidence and modeling and studies at this one site alone to do your doctoral thesis! There is accompanying music with each model for your studying pleasure.
Zome Tools: Visit the official site of this great modeling tool!
- Zome System Tools: These tools are fabulous for modeling geometric worlds!
What is a Tesselation?
Origami: Master the ancient art of paper folding
- Joseph Wu's Origami Page: What I believe is the premier origami exhibit online. Hours of enjoyment are housed at this site.
- Thomas Hull's Pentagon-Hexagon Unit Origami Methods: Check this one out...this may be one of our class labs!!!
Tangrams: Unlock the visual arrangement of geometric shapes
- Tom Scavo's Tangram Workshop: Tangrams help develop spatial-visualization skills, and
may also be used to introduce or reinforce geometric concepts such as congruency, similarity, and symmetry.- Cyber Jacque's Tangram Game: Requires Netscape Shockwave plugin. Download it from the site. Really Cool!! (CyberJacque is currently lost in cyberspace. If you can find this site, please let me know! Maybe it's just offline today.) ;-(
- Tangrams: Celebrating Maths in the 2000s. You will need the Shockwave plugin. They will offer you the download on the entrance to the site. What a great little instructional movie!
Explore the geometric world of M.C. Escher
- The Mathematical Art Of M.C. Escher: A Platonic Realms Mini Script Best of the Best!
Examine the scientific creativity of Leonardo Da Vinci
- Leonardo Da Vinci Website: Composite studies, commentaries and graphic collections
The World's Largest Easter Egg Sculpture
The impossible visual models of Roger Penrose
- The Impossible Staircase: An IllusionWorks site that has a fine image modeling the impossible staircase.
- Visual Illusions Gallery: Psychology based Web Site with a great visual illusion collection. Play with the illusions. I would definitely accept a report that includes illustrations found at this site for extra credit. Come and talk to me about it!
