Artists

Jane Heffernan

Student

Alfred University Inamori School of Engineering

Alfred New York, USA

jmh28@alfred.edu

Statement

I am driven to explore new mediums and create pieces that utilize them in unique ways. I have found much freedom executing my ideas using crochet. In my work, I explore the concepts of group theory and surfaces of revolution. By creating physical models of these ideas, I enhanced my understanding of these complex concepts. I was inspired by a college course titled “Bridges Between Math and Art” taught by Dr. Lipnicki and Dr. Matson. Through this course, I learned how to represent mathematical concepts through unique design and materials. My work invites viewers of any mathematical background to learn about these concepts. I hope to create art that is aesthetically pleasing, approachable, and encourages the viewer to learn more!

Artworks

Image for entry 'D6 - subgroup H'

D6 - subgroup H

76.0 x 61.0 x 5.0 cm

Crocheted yarn attached to a pine wood frame

2023

This piece was inspired by the intricacies of group theory. D6, in group theory, depicts the symmetries of a hexagon. The basis of this piece is subgroup H={e,r3}, where e is the identity, r is a rotation of 60° ↺. In this art piece, each side of the hexagon was assigned a different color to see how that pattern would repeat on a hexagonal grid. There are 2 different groups of hexagons that correspond to subgroup H. The identity hexagons of each group have a unique set of border colors. These groups have 1 transformation, a rotation of 180° (r3). The groups can be distinguished by their crochet pattern. To differentiate the identity from its transformation, different colors and textures were used to design the hexagons within the groups.
Image for entry 'Shining the Light on sin(8x)+5 '

Shining the Light on sin(8x)+5

46.0 x 15.25 x 15.25 cm

Crocheted 30 gauge copper wire, lamp skeleton and LED lightbulb

2023

This piece displays a surface of revolution created by rotating a line around the x-axis. The crochet pattern for this piece was generated using the Crochet Quadratics program designed by Dr. Amanda Lipnicki and Dr. Megan Martinez. I wanted to construct a surface that could hold its shape. To achieve this, I used 30 gauge copper wire. The design for this piece underwent several iterations. I adapted my crochet technique throughout construction to accommodate the rigidities of working with wire. The original design was modified to increase the depth of the grooves and compensate for elongation during the crochet process. This was my first time working with wire, and I was surprised at how flexible it was while still maintaining its shape.