Jane Heffernan

Statement

I am driven to explore new mediums and create pieces that utilize them in unique ways. I have found much freedom in executing my ideas using crochet. In my work, I have explored the concepts of group theory, surfaces of revolution, and more! 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 beautiful, approachable, and encourages the viewer to learn more!

Artworks

For this piece, Amelia Gebhardt and I were inspired by the beautiful geometries of coral reefs. This reef is composed of hyperbolic planes and surfaces of revolution combined in unique ways to bring the coral to life! Each hyperbolic plane begins with a chain or loop of stitches and has a unique increase rate to change the final geometry. The crochet patterns for each surface of revolution were generated using the Crochet Quadratics program designed by Dr. Amanda Lipnicki and Dr. Megan Martinez. I experimented with various functions of lines to create surfaces that mimicked the geometries of the coral I wanted to create. To provide structure to tall pieces of coral, I crocheted around copper wire and filled the inside with stuffing.