Kerry Mitchell

Statement

My work is composed primarily of computer-generated, mathematically-inspired, abstract images. I draw from the areas of geometry, fractals, and numerical analysis, and combine them with image-processing technology. The resulting images powerfully reflect the beauty of mathematics that is often obscured by dry formulae and analyses. An overriding theme that encompasses all of my work is the wondrous beauty and complexity that flow from a few, relatively simple, rules. Inherent in this process are feedback and connectivity; these are the elements that generate the patterns. They also demonstrate to me that mathematics is, in many cases, a metaphor for the beauty and complexity in life. This is what I try to capture.

Artworks

This piece presents a unicursal design on a hexagon grid. More precisely, the boundary between the elements (with the white dots) and the pink background is one continuous curve that can be drawn without lifting pen from the paper. I created the image using a set hexagonal tiles specifically designed for creating and studying unicursal curves.

The Borromean rings have long been used in knot theory. Although they are often portrayed as round, the linking effect can be accomplished using square rings, as I have done. Also, while the rings are distinguished by color, the overall foreground patten is one continuous unicursal curve, which could be drawn in a single motion without lifting pen from the paper. This was accomplished by using a set of square tiles and adjusting each tile in accordance with a Kolakoski sequence, to minimize symmetry which might destroy the one-line nature of the image.