Category Archives: Manufacturing Mathemalchemy

Antikythera Mechanism

Antikythera Mechanism: an inspiring suggestion When Ingrid suggested having the Antikythera Mechanism somewhere in the Knotical scene, I dove for the chance to recreate one. Information and photographs of the pieces are prevalent these days. So much more is known now about the profound relics since scientists have made significant progress in figuring out the device’sContinue reading “Antikythera Mechanism”

Round Peg, Square Hole: Designing Clay Critters for Mathemalchemy

Since joining the Mathemalchemy project, I have found myself discussing questions that I never could have anticipated asking previously—questions like “why would a tortoise use a backpack to transport tessellating cookies, instead of using a wagon?” and “yes, but what is the chipmunks’ motivation?” I have relished the unexpected sentences the team has generated overContinue reading “Round Peg, Square Hole: Designing Clay Critters for Mathemalchemy”

Origami in Mathemalchemy

A long time ago, I discovered with origami a way to express fascinating and complex mathematical concepts in delicate, infinite and touching forms: flowers, shells, rocks, …  During the last year, my Mathemalchemy’s teammates and I have played with shapes, concepts and colors to “unfold” our imaginary realm. It was, and continues to be, aContinue reading “Origami in Mathemalchemy”

Snowflakes and Lasers

It is always snowing over Riemann-Lebesgue Hill. This snow is likely a bit different from what you see falling in your neighborhood. The snowflakes in the Mathemalchemy exhibit are formed using mathematics and lasers.

Path to the Garden

About a year ago, I was lucky to have attended Ingrid’s and Dominique’s presentation at the JMM where they introduced their proposal for Mathemalchemy. I immediately offered my support, but admitted that I did not feel qualified to join the group. After all, I am a mathematician, not an artist. Dominique assured me that I’dContinue reading “Path to the Garden”

The Maquette’s Creation Process

Bringing together twenty-three mathematical artists and artistic mathematicians to create a large multimedia art installation requires planning . . . and a detailed maquette (aka, preliminary model).

Dominique Ehrmann introduced the Mathemalchemy team members to her Maquette Creation Process. See how the three maquettes helped to create, discuss, question, structure, validate and inspire them.