Yvette Kaiser Smith

Artist
Chicago, Illinois, USA

I make wall-based, geometric abstractions by inventing systems for visualizing numerical values of sequences from the numbers pi and e by utilizing grids and repetition of simple geometric shapes. Numbers are the direct source of abstraction.

Majority of my past works are geometric, crocheted fiberglass constructions. In early 2016, I began exploring new systems of mapping sequences, anchored in drawings that range from simple notations as graph plots to complex layered patterns that visualize hundreds of digits. This exploration led to a new body of work in laser cut acrylic sheet with template-like cut-outs, with some stacking and use of shallow spacers. Here, simple geometric shapes and panel placement plot numerical values.

pi x 5s (30146)
pi x 5s (30146)
58 x 43 x 6 cm
Laser cut acrylic sheet, nylon spacers, capped hardware.
2018

This system works with 5 digits from within pi. 4 rectangular panels overlap to create a square. Inner long sides have circular cut-outs with diameters based on value of digits, reading clockwise from left panel. Value of the 5th digit pushes one panel towards top. This piece works with 30146, the 666th through 670th digits of pi.

pi x 5s (54958)
pi x 5s (54958)
58 x 43 x 6 cm
Laser cut acrylic sheet, nylon spacers, capped hardware.
2018

This system works with 5 digits from within pi. 4 rectangular panels overlap to create a square. Inner long sides have circular cut-outs with diameters based on value of digits, reading clockwise from left panel. Value of the 5th digit pushes one panel towards top. This piece works with 54958, the 671st through 675th digits of pi.