I am not very knowledgeable about art; however, I did know that there were some connections between art and math.  I therefore found it very interesting to learn about the history and specifics of this connection.

In particular I found the idea discussed in the lecture video of perspective fascinating to learn about in relation to mathematics.  I enjoyed seeing how Frantz applied the idea of perspective in the article about vanishing points.  With many examples and exercises, this idea became very clear.  These intersections, and how mathematically they were derived, provided insight as to how giving a painting dimension and depth is possible.    

I also greatly enjoyed learning about fractals.  The history of fractals is much longer than I expected it to be, I thought that fractals were a modern form of art and was surprised to find out that they actually have quite a long history.  It was so cool to see the breakdown of the process of creating a fractal, and how each iteration became more detailed.  Since I am interested in medicine I found the application of fractals to medicine very remarkable, and the practical use of fractals to maximize surface areas within the body.

(http://classes.yale.edu/fractals/panorama/biology/physiology/animallungs/Dog2f.jpg)

I next explored the topic of hyperbolic crochet.  I enjoy crocheting myself so this topic was very relatable to me.  It was fascinating to see the connection between crocheting and math from a mathematician, Dania Taimina.  She was able to prove that it is possible to create a model of a symmetric hyperbolic plane.  And she does so using crochet.  When I think of crochet I do not relate it in any way to mathematics.  I view it strictly as an art form; however, after learning about and seeing Taimina’s work I am able to see the connection.  She creates beautiful crochet items, while maintaining a perfect hyperbolic curve.  She is able to keep the curvature of the surface completely consistent.

 (http://crochetcoralreef.org/Content/contributors/daina_taimina_clip_image001.jpg)

(http://whipup.net/wp-content/images/2009/04/shccr_patterns_2109.jpg)

This week I learned that mathematics is used a lot more often than I was aware of within art.  I did not realize how interrelated these two disciplines are, and how often artists rely on math to create their works.  Math, science and art are viewed as being separate, but in reality they are very connected and work together all the time. 

Works Cited:

-Eglash, Ron.  “African Fractals.”  Culturally Situated Design Tools.  Web. 12 April 2015.

-Frantz, Marc.  “Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art.”  2000.  Print. 

-Ouellette, Jennifer.  “Pollock’s Fractals.”  Discoverer.  1 Nov. 2001.  Print.  12 April 2015.

-Taimina, Daina.  “Discoverer of Hyperbolic Crochet.”  Crochet Coral Reef.  Web.  11 April 2015.  
-Vesna, Victoria.  “Math + Art.”  Lecture 2.