Kevin Lee and Alain Nicolas

Statement

For several years I have written software to create Escher-like tessellations. The goal of my new program, TesselManiac!, is to have users (especially young ones) create tessellations and explore this connection of math and art. TesselManiac! allows you to create thirty-six types of isohedral tessellations. It includes several animations, including one where the tile morphs from a base polygon tile to the final shape. I have been exploring techniques to laser cut and engrave tiles out of wood. Different species of wood are used to color the tiling . The tiles vary in thickness to add texture. I have been collaborating with Alain Nicolas who has produced many stunning tessellations using TesselManiac!

Artworks

Alain Nicolas created this fun climber tessellation using TesselManiac! His climber tessellation is Heesch Type TG1G2TG2G1. I have been exploring morphing algorithms but I like this simple morph between complete tiles and the initial tile. The rules for the intermediate tiles are simple: an edge is fully formed if it is a shared edged with a complete tile otherwise the edge is straight.