Image 4
Category: EMERGING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Topic: 45. Growth and Form in Mathematics, Physics and Biology

Form within Form

Medium: macro photography, ink in water
Year Produced: 2010
Dimensions in inches (H x W): 24"x15"

I am an artist interested in fluid dynamics from the artistic and scientific points of view. The complex bilateral symmetry of many living creatures can be emulated through fluid dynamics. In this image, ink in water is undergoing surface tension driven flow from the lower part of the picture upwards. There is an overall symmetry of form running from the lower right of the picture to the top left, and within that, each individual shape made by the ink is symmetrical; for example there are leaf shapes, wedge shapes and arrowhead shapes within. Through moving fluids we gain an insight into the structure of natural forms.

For me, Nature is the best artist, and I feel that much of my work illustrates fundamental natural laws, straddling the disciplines of physics, chemistry and biology.

PROBABLY DROP: For more details on my work, please see my website, which includes a write-up of some of the characteristics of surface tension-driven flow. More images and public feedback about my work at flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/17008528@N04/