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Growth Spiral I
Growth Spiral I
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Growth Spiral I | Logarithmic Geometry in Aspen | 2023
Original Work • Logarithmic Spiral • Carved Wood
19 × 19 × 0.75 inches • Signed
Artist's Statement
Growth Spiral I emerged from my fascination with the logarithmic spiral—that perfect mathematical form that appears throughout nature with startling consistency. From the unfurling of a fern frond to the arms of galaxies, this spiral represents growth itself, where each revolution expands by a constant factor, creating a curve that is simultaneously bounded and infinite.
Working with Aspen hardwood, I spent months developing a carving technique that would honor both the mathematical precision of the logarithmic spiral and the organic nature of the wood grain. The result is a surface that appears to breathe—the spiral seeming to emerge from and recede into the wood simultaneously, creating a visual rhythm that mirrors the growth patterns found throughout the natural world.
The application of antique gel stain was a meditative process, each layer building depth while allowing the wood's natural character to inform the final appearance. The spiral's path follows the golden ratio in its expansion, creating a visual harmony that the eye instinctively recognizes as "right," even if the viewer cannot articulate why.
The Mathematics Within
The logarithmic spiral, also known as the equiangular spiral, was first described by Descartes in 1638 and later investigated by Jakob Bernoulli, who was so fascinated by its properties that he requested it be engraved on his tombstone with the inscription "Eadem mutata resurgo" (Though changed, I arise the same).
In Growth Spiral I, the spiral maintains a constant angle of 17.03239° to its radius vector—the precise angle that creates the golden spiral found in nautilus shells, hurricane formations, and the arrangement of seeds in a sunflower head. This mathematical consistency creates a visual experience that feels both dynamic and stable, embodying growth without chaos.
Exhibition and Recognition
Joint Mathematics Meetings Art Exhibition, 2023
John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, Boston, Massachusetts
Selected for the world's largest mathematics gathering, Growth Spiral I was displayed alongside works by international artists exploring the intersection of mathematics and visual art. The Joint Mathematics Meetings, attended by over 5,000 mathematicians annually, represents the premier venue for mathematical art in North America.
The exhibition jurors noted the work's "elegant translation of logarithmic growth into tactile form" and praised its ability to "make the abstract tangible while maintaining mathematical rigor."
View the exhibition archive: Bridges Mathematical Art Gallery
Materials and Process
- Primary Support:
- Three-quarter inch Aspen hardwood, selected for consistent grain and carving properties
- Carving Technique:
- Hand-carved and power-carved combination, following mathematical plotting
- Surface Treatment:
- Multiple applications of antique gel stain, hand-rubbed to enhance grain
- Protective Finish:
- Museum-quality satin topcoat, UV-resistant
- Mounting:
- French cleat system included for secure, flush wall mounting
The Spiral in Nature
The logarithmic spiral appears throughout the natural world with remarkable consistency:
- The shell of the nautilus expands in perfect logarithmic progression
- Spiral galaxies follow this same mathematical curve across billions of light-years
- The approach of a hawk to its prey traces a logarithmic path
- The arrangement of seeds in a sunflower head optimizes space through this spiral
- Low pressure systems and hurricanes organize along logarithmic curves
Growth Spiral I captures this universal pattern in carved wood, making tangible the mathematics that underlies organic growth.
Acquisition Information
Provenance
Created in the artist's studio, 2022-2023
Exhibited at Joint Mathematics Meetings, Boston, January 2023
Returned to artist's collection
Now available for private acquisition
Condition
Excellent. The carved surface shows no signs of wear. The stain has achieved optimal depth, and the protective coating ensures long-term stability. The piece has been stored in climate-controlled conditions since its exhibition.
Included Documentation
- Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist
- Exhibition documentation from Joint Mathematics Meetings 2023
- Mathematical notation describing the spiral's parameters
- Care and conservation guidelines
- Professional photography portfolio of the work
- Artist's process notes on the carving technique
For the Collector
Growth Spiral I represents a rare opportunity to acquire a work that successfully bridges the divide between mathematical precision and artistic expression. The logarithmic spiral has captivated mathematicians and artists for centuries, yet few works achieve the balance of rigor and beauty present in this piece.
The work's scale—19 inches square—creates an intimate viewing experience while maintaining sufficient presence for gallery display. The carved surface creates ever-changing shadows throughout the day, ensuring the piece remains visually dynamic. The natural variation in the wood grain means that even as the spiral follows its mathematical path, no two viewing experiences are identical.
For collectors focused on the intersection of art and science, this piece offers both intellectual depth and aesthetic sophistication. Its exhibition history at the Joint Mathematics Meetings establishes its credentials within the mathematical art community, while its craftsmanship ensures it stands as a significant work of contemporary wood art.
Artist's Exploration of Mathematical Forms
Growth Spiral I is part of my ongoing investigation into mathematical patterns in carved wood. While this piece remains unique, I continue to explore related themes including hyperbolic geometry, fractals, and tessellations. Each work represents a dialogue between mathematical precision and the organic nature of wood.
Collectors interested in commissioning related works are invited to discuss possibilities. Each commission represents a collaboration to create a piece that resonates with both mathematical significance and personal meaning.
Original work • One of one • Never to be reproduced
Gallery pricing available upon inquiry
For commissioned works exploring mathematical themes:
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