Inextricably Linked: ART~SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS~Human Genius

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have a high regard for both human thought and human creation. I am fascinated by all great thinkers, be they philosophers, mathematicians, scientists or artists. For me, art is at its best when ideas emerge that inextricably link all of these disciplines. The date of my studies in New York City this summer,coincides with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the English naturalist, Charles Darwin's Origin of the Species. Charles Darwin,born 200 years ago,determined and presented evidence that demonstrated that all life forms have evolved over time through a process termed, "natural selection". His ideas and discoveries, now widely accepted,form the "basis of modern evolutionary theory."
In Shrewsbury, England,The Shift Time festival unites more than 30 artists and performers, who have created work inspired by the scientific theories of Charles Darwin."Sparking debate and questioning the very roots of human existence, Shift Time directs us through art, performance and spoken word to find an answer for that age-old question – what is it to be human?"
Reading about this festival and the participating artists, I was particularly awed by the work of Dutch engineer and kinetic sculptor, Theo Jansen. He also reminded me that I have a particular affinity for, and an undying love if you will:) for sculptors (and architects) who create works based on scientific and mathematical ideas. For me, this marriage of thought and it's physical manifestation as "art", demonstrates the beauty and limitless potential of the human mind to think and create.
Artist, Theo Jansen creates kinetic sculptures from plastic tubes and lemonade bottles. His "creatures" are designed to move and "survive" in the environment, based on scientific, mathematical and physical premises. Rather than explain the sophistication of his creations, I invite you to watch a video that will better reveal the genius of Jansen's ideas and work.
Also while in NYC, in close proximity to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I will have the opportunity to visit and "experience", Maelstrom the 130-foot-long by 45-foot-wide stainless-steel sculpture, created by American artist Roxy Paine (b. 1966), specifically for the Museum’s Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden. This is Paine’s largest and most ambitious work to date. The Met states: this "latest in a diverse body of work, this sculpture is one of the artist’s Dendroids based on systems such as vascular networks, tree roots, industrial piping, and fungal mycelia. Set against Central Park and its architectural backdrop, the installation explores the interplay between the natural world and the built environment amid nature’s inherently chaotic processes."

I hope that you enjoy and appreciate the work of these exceptionally gifted artists, as I do. Roxy Paine....he makes me want to weld:) Just saying....melt my artist's heart!