Okay, so I lie. Let’s face it…math and I have never been friends. It’s probably because of my basic mathematical ineptitude that I didn’t pursue science professionally in the first place. But that doesn’t stop me from being fascinated by math, by the way it is as much a language to those who understand it as English or Chinese. And it’s physically beautiful, and I can prove it. While I was in New York City, I actually had a reunion with classmates from elementary school. These are people I was in class with between the ages of 8 and 15. Some of these people I hadn’t seen in nearly 40 years….a petrifying thought. But we had a great time telling each other about our lives, and all my friends have gone on to do fascinating things. One, George Hart, became a mathematician, but not only a mathematician. He is a sculptor as well and considers himself an applied mathematician. He has pieces on display all over the world. Do take a look at his work here.
And if that isn’t enough, his daughter, Vi Hart, has become a sort of mathematical rock star. Her work is all about finding ways to make math accessible and fun. It definitely works for me. Check this out. It’s mesmerising.
I’m glad that “Science and Me” is in a separate post – I think Math and Science can be very different beasts. On poetry, mathematics, and computing I’ve listed a few people who mix Po + Math, and in the latest “Tears in the Fence” magazine there were several (physics) formulae. There’s hope yet.
You post from last year was excellent, and I really thank you for the lst of references. The connection of math and poetry is something I’ve just begun to think about…yes, separate and different from science. You’re encouraging me to dare to look closer at it.
I’m fascinated by the links between science and art so I see no reason not to include maths (as I am trained to say) as well.
We’re huge fans of Vi Hart in this house. I was drawing a pineapple this weekend (as you do) and it made me go off to watch her Fibonacci YouTubes again. Hell, I’m no mathematician but I love her work. I’m off to look at her father’s sculpture now.
I’m so glad you enjoyed your reunion.
I’m going to sit down my 12 year old to watch the Vi Hart video.
First of all, he’ll love it.
Second, he can explain the maths bits to me!
I find Maths (Sorry, programmed..same as Jen) fasinating but utterly baffling. I see numbers and my brain just freezes.
I too have seen Vi’s Fibonacci U-tube videos and thought they were absolutley amazing! Will go check out her Dad’s stuff now.
C x