Sara Clark

Artist, Affiliate Graduate Professor in Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in Interdisciplinary Art
Division of Community Engagement/School of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

I use mathematical models as objects in an idealized world, a way of describing shape and space. From mathematics I have chosen topological shapes as the primary source for images. These shapes are defined by their qualitative features rather than by measurement of distance and angle. Using patterning, false-color images, popular graphic imagery, and my own drawings, I alter and manipulate shapes and their environments to reveal some of their unique incarnations. I see these images as describing a realm of highly-saturated painted form filtered through aesthetics

Gift
Gift
24"x24"x2.5"
Oil on canvas
2010

This work, “Gift”, depicts a blue unknot and a form often referred to as Gabriel’s horn or Torricelli’s trumpet. The title was inspired by the horn’s ‘gift’ of infinite surface area. These objects are situated in a geometric environment.

This painting is one of ten from the “FourSquare Series”. Each painting format is a square of 24”x24”, each title is a word comprised of four letters. Each painting depicts a topological surface in an invented environment.

Duet
Duet
24"x24"x2.5"
Oil on canvas
2010

This work, “Duet”, depicts a Boy’s surface and a hyperbolic ribbon. This pair is placed on a ground inspired by a topographic false-color map.

This painting is one of ten from the “FourSquare Series”. Each painting format is a square of 24”x24”, each title is a word comprised of four letters. Each painting depicts a topological surface in an invented environment.