Ross J. Cocks
Artists
Ross J. Cocks
Graduate Student
Mathematics & Statistics Department, University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Statement
The movie Pleasantville (1998) has a wonderful artistic technique to convey moments of enlightenment. Every time a character experiences enlightenment/betterment, their grayscale appearance is injected with the slightest bit of color. I can strongly relate to this; for it seems as though each time I learn about mathematics, philosophy, and/or the Universe, my own grayscale self and surroundings are injected with the slightest bit of color, making the world a tiny bit more vibrant. Coming from an absolute abyss in the earlier part of my life, it is easy for me to say with a surety that life is meant to be seen in color!
Artworks
![Image for entry 'Hyperbolic Helicoid & Child (or Translation No. 01 [Pt. 1])'](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsubmit.bridgesmathart.org%2Frails%2Factive_storage%2Fblobs%2Fproxy%2FeyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MjY4NCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ%3D%3D--048763a8e1ea1f1606227ceda03f894ddb2f6827%2Fbridges2022_rosscocks_submission.jpg&w=1536&q=75)
By taking a Hyperbolic Helicoid and putting it through a Mobius Transformation, we can arrive at a beautiful form that seems to curtsy with grace. A careful arraying of this form can then lead to an incredible structure that is not only sinuous and mesmerizing but is also a testament to the intimate relationship that mathematics has with architecture. However, in a world consumed by ego, money, and fear it is unlikely that this structure would ever leave it's surreal canvas. Yet, a dismal situation is not fate! Childlike wonder and hope may yet liberate our architectural creation. It should be noted that Robert Fathauer's piece in the JMM 2022 Art Exhibition inspired me to develop an architectural space out of a Hyperbolic Helicoid.