Blooms are 3-D printed sculptures that come to life when spun under a strobe light. Unlike a 3D zoetrope, which animates small sequential changes, a bloom animates as a single, cohesive sculpture. This animation effect is achieved through progressive rotations of the golden ratio, which is the same ratio found in nature's spiral patterns, such as those in pine cones and sunflowers.
John Edmark is a designer, engineer, inventor, and artist. His scientific knowledge and insatiable curiosity have led him to create these 3D Works that exemplify his understanding of the way things work. Let's look at some of the beautiful sculptures he has made in his Bloom series.
These sculptures start as computer programs written in Python, are then 3D printed, and set in motion. The fascinating patterns they display are, in essence, inspired by nature itself.
While art is often a vehicle for fantasy, my work is an invitation to plunge deeper into our own world and discover just how astonishing it can be. In experiencing a surprising behavior, one’s sense of wonder and delight is increased by the recognition that it is occurring within the context of actual physical constraints. The works can be thought of as instruments that amplify our awareness of the sometimes tenuous relationship between facts and perception.-John Edmark
Phyllotactic spirals are geometric patterns that repeat and grow in size, commonly found in nature, such as in the florets of a daisy or a pineapple. As John Edmark notes on his website, these spirals embody the idea that “if change is the only constant in nature, it is written in the language of geometry.”
These sculptures appear to be alive by using strobe lights that flash in a way that mimics natural designs. This process gives the sculptures a magical quality.
His process is very interesting. Check out this video where he discusses his work and inspiration.
Go on a walk in nature and collect plants and seeds that exhibit the Fibonacci series or other interesting patterns.
Can you see a mathematical regularity within their designs? Reflect on how nature's designs can inspire artistic expression and creativity.
His Golden Angle series can be viewed as videos on his website.
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About the Artist: John Edmark
"Much of my work celebrates the patterns underlying space and growth. Through kinetic sculptures and transformable objects, I strive to give viewers access to the surprising structures hidden within apparently amorphous space."
John Edmark is an inventor, designer, and artist. He teaches design in the department of Art and Art History at Stanford University, Palo Alto. His art and design pursuits range from organically inspired kinetic works to products for storage, kitchen, and creative play.
John Edmark (born 1965) is an American designer, sculptor, and professor at Stanford University. Many of his art works take on a mathematical approach and application.
Education and career
Edmark graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Science and later a Master of Science degree in Computer Science. He then received a second Master of Science degree in Product Design at Stanford University. Throughout his life, he has acquired supplemental knowledge on architecture, art, and animation that can be reflected in his artwork. His curiosities in mathematics — specifically spiral geometry — have also played a large influence on his art.
Edmark worked at Bell Labs for a few years researching computer graphics and virtual environments. However, he cites that he preferred to create physical, tangible objects rather than virtual objects, which ultimately inspired him to create sculptures.
Currently, Edmark is a professor at Stanford University, where he lectures on topics such as design, art history, and mechanical engineering. Edmark has also since created commissioned artwork for the Exploratorium, San Jose Museum of Art, Phaeno Science Center, and Swiss Science Center Technorama.
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