Sarah Stengle
Recently I started integrating my long standing interest in
mathematical art with the form of the book. My first mathematical
artist's book was based on a fractal folding designed by Robert
Fathauer; my second is based on a folded hyperbolic plane structure
designed by Susan Happersett. I am currently working on an ongoing
mathematical book-art project called Net Gain in which thirty artists
are experimenting with geometric nets in collaboration with Maddy
Rosenberg of CENTRAL BOOKING in Brooklyn, New York. Books are like
bodies with minds in that the interior is full of ideas that are only
revealed through interaction. Handling a book with an unusual
geometric structure creates a intimate experience of geometry.
The pages of the artist's book WORK are formed from seven hexagons
connected irregularly to form a folded hyperbolic plane. Once
opened, this book will not lie flat no matter how it is
manipulated. Each hexagon is stamped with the word “WORK”
twenty-four times per page, once for each hour of the day. The
hyperbolic structure was designed by mathematical artist Susan
Happersett. The inserts are vintage circular technical charts
intended for recording instruments and all intervals represent
units of time such as hours, days or weeks. The charts are
inscribed with the words "work" and "worry" referring to the
anxiety caused by compulsive diligence.