Robert Fathauer

Statement

My work explores the mathematics of symmetry, knots, fractals, tessellations and more, blending it with plant and animal forms as well as inorganic forms found in nature. This synthesis allows me to create innovative prints and sculptures that derive their beauty from a combination of complexity and underlying order. My goal is to use mathematics in my work in a manner that is compelling to those who understand it but does not serve as an impediment to those who don't.

Artworks

This mixed-media piece is based on the Figure-8 knot, the lone knot with four crossings. The hand-built ceramic portion is based on the Seifert surface for this knot, while the knot is formed with cane strips and affixed to the ceramic part with leather cord.

This hand-built, unglazed ceramic Möbius strip has caning pegs inserted in holes near its edge. The pegs define a second Möbius strip with an implied surface that is orthogonal to that of the ceramic strip at every point.