2017 Joint Mathematics Meetings
Fielding Brown
Artists
Statement
My sculptures are Lissajous figures in 3D. I first saw these figures on the screen of an early oscilloscope, flat curves describing, for example, a spinning coin or a gyrating hula hoop. I then imagined how I might describe these Lissajous in 3D, and then how to actually build them as sculpture. I have devised a twofold process to do this. On my computer I first write three, simultaneous, parametric equations (time as parameter) to define a particular Lissajous. Then, if the corresponding curve is aesthetically pleasing and also buildable, I build it in my shop. This process is quite general since, by changing equations, a limitless number of Lissajous sculptures can be produced. The body of my work has been created in this way.
Artworks
![Image for entry 'Bicycle Wreck'](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsubmit.bridgesmathart.org%2Frails%2Factive_storage%2Fblobs%2Fproxy%2FeyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NTE3MiwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ%3D%3D--ca4ce279ea5b52f533a37105ecf47891721f98f0%2Fp1040794d_edited-1.jpg&w=1536&q=75)
Bicycle Wreck
45 x 45 x 45 cm
wood & aluminum frame, silvered mylar strings
2016