From Mathematics to Fiber Art With Hyperbolic Crochet

Join fiber artist and geometer Daina Taimina and learn about "hyperbolic crochet." With just a few simple crochet stitches you can explore a strange mathematical form called a hyperbolic plane. A hyperbolic plane is in the simplest of terms the opposite of a sphere. The negative curves that approximate hyperbolic surfaces abound in the everyday natural world. From the edges of lettuce to the shapes of coral to the body of a sea slug, these "non-Euclidian shapes describe how certain kinds of surfaces expand.

Daina invented this form of crochet in 1997 while making a model for teaching geometry. Today, it is widely used by artists and mathematicians. Daina has taught mathematicians all over the world to crochet so they could make mathematical models of these non Euclidian surfaces. In a brief presentation, Daina will share the math behind such surfaces and her experience of moving from creating mathematical models to making crocheted sculptures. Her work has been featured in the NY Times, Wired, and the LA Times. Her artwork has appeared in college classrooms and fiber arts exhibitions such as the Institute for Figuring's Crochet Coral Reef. A Q & A and booksigning follow her talk. After the booksigning, join Daina in crocheting hyperbolic sculptures of your own! All materials will be provided.

1:00-2:00 p.m. Presentation & Booksigning, McBean Theater
2:30-5:00 p.m. Hyperbolic Crochet Activities with Daina, Skylight Area

Editors note: Please verify these times with the Exploratorium as the website also lists this event as being held from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.