What is a fractal, mathematics or art?
December 3rd 2006 09:00
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Adele asked was my computer art all based on the same fractal?
I replied I didn't think so.
This would depend on what a fractal is and what is commonly understood about it in the digital art world.
It has been variously proposed that a triangle of a certain nature is a fractal and so is a cloud.
A cloud might be difficult to put into a mathematical formula, the triangle not so difficult.
Even the triangles I use could not be described as fractals except on rare occasions.
LAD's reference to Mandelbrot came up as I attempted to find ways in which I could answer the question posed.
Not to put too fine a point on it, my art includes triangles, squares, circles, curves, lines and various proportions, ellipses and other geometrical figures, most of which would not fit the fractal definition, but, then, again, whence the cloud?
I have included some links to significant sites, some mathematical, some artistic, and the images are really interesting, the debate, perhaps, less so. It is possible to create computer art without knowing anything at all about fractals, or could one call a point a fractal, or, more likely a pixel?
What is the relationship between computer art and the fractal?
Taking the smallest fractal as a point one could say all art is based on the fractal, being it in computer or any other art.
I am attaching links to some sites based on simplicity,to various degrees of Mathematics and the fractal.
The final analysis would be a matter of philosophical debate of the highest order by specialist mathematicians and you’ll see from the links that the mathematics becomes complex.
Whether my art is based on a fractal would lead one to the conclusion, YES.
Be that in any way useful to those creating computer images, unlike the method commonly referred to as computer created images, which would require only pressing of buttons and keys with no input from the artist, is incomprehensible.
Skilled higher mathematicians are invited to respond, not those of minimal mathematical understanding, or, those who have actually done a higher mathematically based course on this.
Those who have done courses on computer art mainly, I would think, have superficial knowledge, but it would be interesting to hear from them or from anyone else having an interest in this.
Some of the links take one to various aesthetically pleasing discussions and those may be of most interest to anyone at all interested in this aspect. Even the metaphysical gets a mention.
It has certainly taken my interest, and a point being the smallest fractal seemed immediately apparent.
Nuclear physicists would argue to the contrary.
Does this enhance or confuse the consideration of computer art of any description? That would once again lead us to considerations of brain function and perception, including the emotions.
Ask a question? Beware the answer but don’t be deterred by it. No doubt, people will only engage themselves to the degree of their own particular interest.
Doing the art is itself a time consuming activity, without the defining in mathematical terms of the images.
But it did intrigue me, anxious as I am to expand my knowledge base about computers, but for the artist I suspect it has not much interest at all.
Perhaps I should convert this to philosophicalart.com?
Adele posed the question. It is an interesting one. Far be it for me to give a definitive answer other than what I have attempted to do here.
Do look at the references, they have some interesting images and some aesthetically pleasing ones and by strategic clicking one can learn a lot.
Those not wanting deep knowledge should just have a quick look and disregard the mental and mathematical challenge.
You will be glad you've looked at the images. Do click on the side links, you'll be amazed at what you see.
fractal
fractal
So, for some light relief, here is my usual selection of art, fractal based or otherwise?
Harmony or Discord?
Gentle colours and interesting features
Brain puzzler
Let me know what you think about all of this, won't you?
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Comment by Adrienne
Comment by katyzzz
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Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
katyzzz
Comment by LaurenD
I must say, Katyzzz... what would your artistic approach look like if it tackled the concept of the call of the wild?
LaurenD
Comment by Norm
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say Hello to the new patrick....Norm...felt like a bit of a change, it's like a holiday...you might already know of these 20th Centurey artists: Kandinsky, Klee and Hundertwasser. If not, track them down and have a look...if you like...or not...still the same on the inside, Norm...
Comment by katyzzz
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Lauren, that's a tall order, I guess I could have a go.
It would have to embrace, water, trees, rainforests global warming, animals, sounds, colours of animals, What do you think?
katyzzz .... I've fallen in love with your wolves. I guess environmentally Canada is a place to go!
What is your Government like?
Comment by katyzzz
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I'll track down those artists, it seems world art is the way to go rather than digital art.
I hate working for negligible amounts of money.
All they really want is click readers, wish I could get there, it may produce some money for minimal work, instead of my opposite approach.
Thanks for your visit.
katyzzz
Comment by LaurenD
I say give it a try, see what paints.
I'm not really u p on Canadian gov't, being a Yank and living here in Australia, but I've heard good things. I have a few Canadian friends who are relieved they're not Americans.
LaurenD
Comment by Lilla
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another quick one....but I just loved these new images...wowie!
Harmony and Discord ; is beautiful... not only one of my favourite colours... but man-if-ique mon cher
and psychedelic is me to a T - hence the mind flip at gentle colours as they wave like a sand Mandela across the page into kaleidoscope memories of childhood games played at Christmas time...
lovely ...
brain teasing me so early today... *lol*
This reminded me of a pending full moon and moon cycles... phasing in and out... always there...
onto the next room now...
Lilla...
Comment by katyzzz
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Fabulous response as always, I was reluctant to put one of them on, but realising different strokes for different folks made me pleased I had.
Thanks for the $500,000 you sent me to improve your memory of your neighbour's name, I left the advice somewhere else, can't quite remember where, at the moment.
Till we meet again, my little butterfly. Maybe the problems of the world are insoluble and maybe take time so don't dissolve yourself in the process.
katyzzz
Comment by katyzzz
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Somehow I thought you were Canadian, US is not regarded as being environmentally friendly, but they seem to be doing quite well with this wolves issue, or is that just the efforts of the Native Indians [forgive me if I use the wrong terms] And are those groups directly or indirectly funded by US Government, which would indicate the US government are not the bullies we are led to believe.
Sorry about the mistake.
katyzzz
Comment by Lilla
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...good advice, for madness days... slowing now... trying to remember... .... ... remember.... ....
... aah... here is comes....
~calathumpas, ~calathumpas...
*hysterical*
...and for your kindest of words and art too..
I thank you...
I also miss the butterfly,
I think it's time she flew again,
don't you...?
Maybe a different one...
with trransparent wings...
keep well...
*flitting lilla*
Comment by katyzzz
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Or maybe one of those brilliantly coloured ones, transparet wings sounds more like a cicada.
Must do a post on butterflies sometime, anything certain to attract clicks.
katyzzz... memory is doing very well. Yours, I mean. After all you were the one doing the paying.
Comment by LaurenD
I know there was a US Government initiative to introduce wolves back into Yosemite National Park. That was backed and supported by some private groups and orgs to make sure it ran smoothly. It did quite well.
I know there were a few Native Americans who were happy to see the wolves return.
LaurenD
Comment by katyzzz
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It's really interesting to hear about these wolves and that they are so valued by many people.
It's true then that the US is not all bad, as some would believe.
katyzzz