Fractal trees

Some time ago we have talked about Pythagoras tree, which represents simple fractal structure consisting of squares. Also, there are many variations of fractal trees, which are consist of lines and curves.

The three-dimensional fractal tree above is constructed from lines. It belongs to L-system class of fractals. Associated as trunk and branches brown lines of the tree are elements of low generations of the fractal. Green lines are elements of higher generations of the fractal. They remind us leafs. So, the whole fractal structure resembles real tree.

The rainbow fractal Julius tree below was crated with help of the computer program Fractal Imaginator. The tree reminds rounded Pythagoras tree, where squares were replaced to thin rectangles. The tree fractal can be created not only with help of straight lines or rectangles, but also with help of curves and spirals. Below, you can see a title for the High School Course "Gödel, Escher, Bach: A Mental Space Odyssey" by Justin Curry and Curran Kelleher, where curved fractal tree is used. The spiral was chosen as base element for this fractal, which gives many elegant curls.

Hilbert curve

Hilbert curve is a continuous fractal space filling curve, which was first described by German mathematician David Hilbert in 1891. Below you can see 5 first steps of the plane Hilbert curve.

But the Hilbert curve looks more interesting if it represent in three dimensions. Carlo H. Séquin, a professor of Berkley, created a small 5" metal sculpture of Hilbert curve, which he called "Hilbert 512". You can see it below.

It was also be modeled by Torolf Sauermann in the program Maxwell renderer. Below, you can see the second step of the three-dimensional Hilbert curve and two versions of cubic Hilbert curve.

Jos de Mey has died

With deep regret I should report that in December 22th 2007 the great man and the famous Belgian artist Jos de Mey has died.

He was one of the most famous artists in imp-art. His name have always been referred along with another Holland artist M.C. Escher. Jos de Mey was the unique artist, who could organic combine detailed photo realistic Flemish landscapes with complex impossible constructions. His artwork were demonstrated at many personal and group exhibitions in Belgium and other countries.

I believe he will be always remembered in many countries, and his works will be great theme of inspiration for many artists around the world.

Escher's creature

This series of photos by Hawken King was inspired by creatures from Escher's artworks "House of stairs" and "Curl up". A small strange creature should curl to move forward.

Below you can see the original Escher's image "Curl up", where moving of this created is shown in four steps.

Celtic Möbius strip by Paul Bielaczyc

Celtic Möbius

by Paul Bielaczyc

Colored Pencil and Ink, 21" x 13".

In this image by Paul Bielaczyc we see joining of aspects of artist's life. As he says Celtic knots surround him in his job, M.C. Escher who has always bee inspiring in his art and the Möbius strip as intriguing mathematical form.