Elaine Krajenke Ellison

retired mathematics teacher, retired mathematics mathematics methods teacher
West Lafayette High Schoo, Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana

The appreciation and demystification of mathematics is a common thread thata runs through my mathematical art. After using a variety of media including bronze, drawing, glass, and painting, I settled on quilting mathematics in the early l980's. The quilts serve as a visual introduction that allow students to explore mathematics as they gain more insights.
As the number of quilts increased each year, I was able to write lesson plans for the quilts. The quilt topics were based on what I was teaching at the time---mostly geometry and algebra. From the beginning, Mathematical Quilts and More Mathematical Quilts were published. I have been able to share my love of mathematics with quilt groups, mathematics groups, museums, and various other interested groups. I am hoping to meet some of the mathematicians that have inspired me over the years at the Bridges conference in Baltimore.

Bach's Jesus beliebet meine Freude---A four-point perspective
Bach's Jesus beliebet meine Freude---A four-point perspective
50.5 inches by 65.5 inches
cloth quilt
2011

Inspired by Dick Termes work on perspective, I decided to design my own four-point perspective! The harpist, Elizabeth Alhgrim, posed for this work along with playing Bach's beautiuful Jesus bleibet meine Freude. The fascinating tie between music, mathematics, and perspective are all exhibited in this creative work.