Bridges 2025 Exhibition of Mathematical Art, Craft, and Design

Onye Ndika

Artists

Onye Ndika

Artist

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

DesignsByOnye@gmail.com

http://LinkTr.ee/DesignsByOnye

Statement

As an artist, I enjoy pondering aspects of geometric complexity in nature as well as modern & industrial design. My favorite medium is glass beads. The majority of my pieces are explorations and representations of platonic & Archimedean geometry, and experiments with hydrocarbon structures such as graphene. I integrate analytical process with my creative intuition to produce high-quality, sculptural art pieces that are functional, thought-provoking, inspirational, and engaging. I believe strongly that creating this art, as well as promoting STEAM learning, is my life’s purpose. I want to use my creative abilities to inspire others that wish to do the same. I do. Because I think. I can. Create What makes me. What I Am.

Artworks

Image for entry 'Crystal Planet, Hidden Diamonds'

Crystal Planet, Hidden Diamonds

5.5 x 2.5 x 5.5 cm

Glass seed beads (sizes 6, 8, 11, 20), 4mm Swarovski bicone crystals, Czech firepolish 4mm & 6mm rounds, Czech glass 6mm bicones, 2mm crystals, monofilament

2025

The structure of this "planet's" surface is the truncated icosahedron, also known as a buckyball or, (chemically) the Buckminsterfullerene. But hidden below the surface, now sight unseen, is a multiplicity of polyhedra. The planet's "core" is a dodecahedron. Most importantly, the Rhombic Triacontahedron is the secondary surface upon which the crystal 'island countries' are built. The 'oceans' are the twelve pentagonal surfaces which are comprised of light blue Czech glass 6mm bicones & pale grey size 11 seed beads. Each crystal 'island' is woven from 21 Swarovski bicone crystals & 21 tiny grey seed beads. Each island's twin is on the polar opposite face, insomuch as two Earth residents would be positioned 12 hours away from one another.
Image for entry 'King Cake Zonohedron'

King Cake Zonohedron

4.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 cm

Glass seed beads (sizes 6, 8, 11, 20), 4mm Swarovski bicone crystals, resin rice beads, crystal rice beads, 6lb. monofilament

2025

Zonohedron, with dodecahedron-esque color symmetry. 60 rice crystal beads, 180 bicone crystal beads. 12 unique crystal colors. 80 triangular faces. Named because the colors are reminiscent of King Cake, a ring-shaped pastry served during Mardi Gras celebrations.