Math Art Project Reflections

In the math art project myself, Jing, and Devon all had distinct and independent interpretations in how we can deconstruct interesting 3D objects into a set of simpler 2D constructions. I really enjoyed collaborating and discussing on how we can in-cooperate all of these unique perspectives and come full circle to illustrate how different kinds of art and structure can be creating through have a conceptual understanding of mathematics.

I personally decided to use my skills in programming, specifically Scientific Computing, to break up two shapes into a finite number of 2D cross-sections as a means of creating a blue-print for a sculpture. The sculpture I chose was a hyperboloid of one sheet (above: an image I generated of this surface using Matlab) inside of a sphere. Sadly, the glue I used was not strong enough (Rest In Pieces hyperboloid sphere) but I was able to perfectly construct the figure I had in mind. In our activity we illustrated that by going through a range for a specific variable, the choice of that variable being important based on the geometry of the surface, one can make physical sculptures of 3D mathematical surfaces defined using algebraic expressions. I think the use of art as an application for having a conceptual understanding of mathematics is interesting and can certainly be seen in the physical word with incredible works of engineering and design surrounding us. Art is more accessible than math as it generally is open-ended and doesn't require strict rules and generally is aided from a bit of chaos and creativity, but incorporating technical components into art can allow for very interesting pieces that are still equally prone to the chaos and creativity of art as it is very easy to make a single mistake and build off of it to make something unique and beautiful.