Nancy Hocking
I make topological knots out of wire, flexible conduit, mesh tubing
and, lately, paper. Paper knots are unruly. As soon as the two ends
are joined they spring into the 3D world, taking on their own
delightful forms. Some are destined for 3D printing. Some end up as
chew toys for the foxes that visit my London garden at night. Some
settle in the 2D world via photography where I use the angle of the
light source, shadow, rotation of the knots, white balance, aperture
and shutter speed as my palate. Manipulating images with these
remarkably versatile tools can create atmospheres that reflect my
sense of the otherworldliness of topology. Shadowy hints of crossings
that are not seen directly expose the deep beauty of a knots. They
transfix me.
'Three, Four, Five' displays topological knots with three, four
and five crossings. KnotInfo is my source. I used 1.5cm wide
strips of 200gm paper to make the knots 3_1, 4_1 and 5_2. Crossing
sequences, width, length and thickness of the paper absolutely
dictate the 3D forms, which never look anything like the original
diagram of the knot. Minor manipulations can be imposed, but the
paper knot is definitely in charge. The challenge then is to coax
the knots to express their elegance with my wonderful, all bells
and whistles new camera. Some knots are just too stubborn to let
their beauty show. Some are instant stars. Basically, my role is
that of director setting the stage. I find them so sensuous and
lovely that I am often star struck.