The Logic Behind My Current Work
At its most basic level, the human brain is hard-wired for pattern recognition. This innate ability to recognize order within the chaos of the universe lies at the very root of our appreciation for art and music. Mathematically elegant patterns all around us stimulate our brains in countless ways that we find pleasing, interesting, hypnotic - or unpleasant.
Bilateral symmetry, for example, is a trait common to most higher forms of life on earth. Our brains know this intuitively: it is responsible for our ability to recognize and differentiate faces and the subtle variations that give social and emotional cues. These intuitions can easily be fooled, or artificially stimulated, which is why we find things like the inkblot test so intriguing.
Music, similarly, is the ordered manipulation of sound waves. Subconsciously understanding patterns in these waves (variations in amplitude and wavelength), gives our brain the ability to hear the difference between a "high E" and a "middle C". Combined into a symphony, these sound waves can stimulate our brains into moments of profound joy or sadness.
Color relationships in visual art can be broken down this way as well. Light and color are functions of waves - each color having a different wavelength. Color harmony and dissonance are created just as in music: by employing colors whose wavelengths are specific ratios of one another.
However, the patterns that fascinate me the most of all are forms that can be found at every scale, from the most minute subatomic particle to the most massive astronomical features. The spiraling of the milky way galaxy relates to a nautilus shell relates to the spiraling cochlea of the ear. A river delta relates to a tree relates to the branching of bronchi, capillaries, and neurons. I could go on. Everything in our universe adheres to a few basic rules that manifest themselves in every conceivable variation.
The universe is a fractal...
My current work is an exploration of these phenomena, executed using a variety of techniques and materials. I invite you to enjoy the complex results of Nature's simple, yet elegant mathematics.
I hope my images will stimulate your neurons.
Peace!
--Sean McCabe
