Art of Construction
Dr. Drew
In class we completed the project, The Art of Construction. For this project we were required to create a piece of beautiful work using precise geometric measurements. The main purpose of this project was to connect the techniques we used to axiomatic logic. Axiomatic logic is the the idea of starting with something very simple that everyone agrees on than expanding to agree on other, more complicated truths. We did this in our art pieces because we started with something very simple like a circle but then took many logical steps and made it into a much more complex image. We used circles, 30, 40, 60, and 90 degree angles, triangles, squares, and many other geometric shapes to give us the intricate image we wanted.
Benchmark #1 was the first assignment within this project. We were required to have a drawing of the image we wanted to eventually create using geometric construction. This was just a sketch and did not have to be made using a compass and straight edge. I chose to start with an intricate flower design. There was many unique shapes and lines. That is part of the reason why I liked it.
Benchmark #1 was the first assignment within this project. We were required to have a drawing of the image we wanted to eventually create using geometric construction. This was just a sketch and did not have to be made using a compass and straight edge. I chose to start with an intricate flower design. There was many unique shapes and lines. That is part of the reason why I liked it.
Benchmark #2 was much more challenging than Benchmark #1. We had to recreate our image using only a compass and a ruler. We also had to write down every step we took so someone else could recreate our image. It was very time consuming. We had to look up an abundance of tutorials on different geometric constructions according to what we needed. Then we would watch it then draw it. Each step took about 5 minutes and there were a lot of steps. I was uncertain about how to create the flower image from BM # 1 so I fiddled around with construction and design until I had an image that was inspired by the previous one. It is quite different from my original drawing but I wanted to modify it. This is my first version of BM # 2.
5. The construction steps needed to create your Benchmark #2
6. Your Benchmark #2 image (embedded, not attached). Note: Scans are better than photos.
5. The construction steps needed to create your Benchmark #2
6. Your Benchmark #2 image (embedded, not attached). Note: Scans are better than photos.
We did two drafts of BM #2. Once again my image changed dramatically. I took what I learned from my previous two drafts and combined the techniques to create this new image. In my first version I learned how to take a circle and transform it into a 12 sided regular polygon. I used that same principle again but transforming it into a 16 sided regular polygon. I used the same pattern but made it into a different image. Rather than just having a design, I wanted to create a real object so I took my pattern and made it into a native American dream catcher. This is what my BM #2 version 2 looked like including the steps I took.
BM 2 V 2 image
STEPS
BM 2 V 2 image
STEPS
Using the same steps and construction as BM #2 version 2 we created an art piece. The art piece could be on any medium in any form we wanted it just had to have our geometrically constructed image on it. When I was working on BM #2 I thought about how I want to turn that into an art piece that was unique and different. One of the reasons I chose to construct the drawing of a dreamcatcher was because I wanted to make one for BM #3. This was the most challenging part artistically. It took me a very long time to create the smaller circle patterns. It was a lot of twisting, knotting, and tightening but it was worth it in the end.
8. Your Benchmark #3 image (embedded, not attached).
8. Your Benchmark #3 image (embedded, not attached).
Overall this project was very education and fascinating. I really love how Dr. Drew incorporates art into math. It makes it much more diverse and interesting. There is the perfect balance of expression and guidance. One challenge I faced in this project was changing my idea a lot. I didn't brainstorm a lot in the very beginning. My BM #1 was the first image that came to my mind and I did not take the time to think ahead to BM #2 and 3. Because I did not plan it out in the beginning I had to do multiple mini drafts in between benchmarks. It was very stressful and time consuming. If I could do anything differently I would spend more time brainstorming and clarifying my ideas and planning at the very beginning rather than making it up as I go. Even though it did take me a long time I constantly went back revising my work so I could produce something I was proud of. Out of all the habits of a mathematician, I used be confident, patient and persistent the most. I knew I could create a really unique piece of beautiful work and I did not give up until I did. I constantly pushed myself to create the best work I could. I worked on my art piece for 4 hours straight. All the knotting and tying consumed a lot of time but I did not stop until it was done. I was very patient with myself. I feel all my hard work shows off. In the end I created an art piece I am very proud of. Overall this project was very enjoyable and I learned an abundance of new information and made a very unique and sophisticated piece of beautiful work.