Bridges 2025 Exhibition of Mathematical Art, Craft, and Design
Tiffany C. Inglis
Artists
Statement
I create mathematical art when the design calls for mathematical analysis. My work focuses on patterns, structures, and symmetries, using both fiber crafts—knitting and crochet—and digital art. With a background in mathematics and computer graphics, I explore ways to translate abstract concepts into tangible and visual forms.
Artworks
Ophanim
15.0 x 40.0 x 40.0 cm
Mercerized cotton yarn and plastic beads
2025
I was inspired by Matt Parker's talk at Bridges 2024, which featured renderings of hexagon-tiled tori. The simple goal of crocheting such a torus led to an exploration of conformally mapping patterns onto tori, converting mathematical models into craftable modules, developing new crochet techniques to handle irregular hexagons, and designing a color arrangement that highlights the symmetry of the final sculpture.
Toroidal Twist
60.0 x 60.0 cm
Digital Print
2025
While crocheting the hexagonal torus, I discovered fascinating mathematical relationships between the hexagonal tiles. Here's an overview of each image (Top: 1,2,3. Middle: 4,5,6. Bottom: 7,8,9).
1: The spokes of the stars measure the angles created by the spiral hexagon formation.
2: Adding/subtracting hexagons generates this recursive horned shape.
3: Nested hexagons with gradients create an illusion of depth.
4: An alternate hexagonal arrangement evokes a celestial scene.
5: Strips of hexagonal tiles partition the torus.
6: Six-pointed stars form a spiral galaxy.
7: The colour scheme used in my crocheted hexagonal torus.
8: Another recolouring
9: Calligraphy-like strokes reflect the motions used to crochet a hexagon.