Rashmi Sunder-Raj
I have had a fondness for making symmetric patterns with regular polygons for as long as I can remember. Somewhere along the line, I started crocheting with thread and sequins in order to make geometrical lace to match fabric which I was using in dresses. I have recently realized that I can approximate the polygons in my patterns as circles and interpret them using either sequins, or circular beads placed on their side (so that the distance between the centers of adjacent beads is constant). I have developed some techniques to attach the beads together using crochet, though I wish I could adapt my sewing machine to do so more easily.
This piece is based on an extendable 5-fold rotationally symmetric pattern made using rings of 20-gons. It was made primarily by crocheting seed beads together using an approximately 0.5mm hook. The shapes have been stiffened by sewing them to metal rings and wire.
I am toying with the idea of displaying it with a mat which shows an extension of the geometric pattern fading from the piece towards the frame.