Yvette Kaiser Smith
I am an artist who uses numbers. I invent systems for visualizing
numerical values of sequences from the numbers π and e. I create
wall-based geometric abstractions, where values of digits direct a
composition’s formal structure, placement of line, shape, and color
relationships. In 2016, I began a body of wall-based works, using
laser-cut acrylic sheets separated by vinyl spacers. During COVID-19
closures, with no access to the maker space where I use a laser
cutter, I began working the acrylic sheet with hand tools and using
materials left over from previous projects. I began exploring
different relationships between some of my larger acrylic sheet
leftovers and industrial felt.
In Weaving in pi: 17 digits (57…50) I wanted to try a simple weave
using leftover acrylic strips and a scrap piece of industrial felt
to create a minimal yet unpredictable composition. The acrylic
pieces were 4 and 5 inches wide and the felt a 24 inch square. I
pulled out several sequences from π that contained sequence …4,5…
and applied each in multiple ways to reveal different
compositions. Here, cuts in felt for the weave were determined by
the sequence. The sewn horizontal line close to top represents 0,
as does the shorter vertical sewn line that anchors the felt to
the black. The cut in the felt, just below the short, sewn line,
separates 5 and 7. For aesthetic reasons, I chose not to bring the
blue up to the surface.