What are Fractals?  What's their Significance?

Most simply put, fractals are patterns that that are created using mathematical formulas that both strictly control and guarantee their shape.  True fractal patterns go on indefinitely, but commonly occurring fractal patterns that we see every day include structures such as the growth patterns of trees, formation patterns of ice crystals, the structure of a lightening bolt and the contours of a coastline, becoming ever more intricate the more closely its viewed.



These patterns look chaotic at first glance, but they are strictly governed by a combination of scientific laws and environmental factors, and are theoretically predictable.  These patterns are all around us and even within us.  Life reflects these patterns from a capillary blood vessel structure to the shape of a population growth diagram. Not a mathematician? neither am I, as the author of this page, I can assure you, but it doesn't mean I can't appreciate the beauty of the patterns from an artistic perspective, and I hope the feeling is shared.



What's the significance?

The answer to that question can vary greatly from the very technical to the very spiritual, and this artist falls somewhere in between, but between the beauty of these patterns, the emotional effect they seem to generate and the persistent presence they exhibit throughout the cycle of life, this artist believes that appreciation is not dependent on a complete knowledge.



Fractal Expressionism (Fractalage)

The label "Fractal Expressionism", as it was adopted by the creator of the movement Derek K. Nielsen, refers to the art of painting in analog fractals.  This style utilizes naturally occurring fractal structures in the media and builds upon them, allowing the artist to evolve the piece and influence it as he/she is inspired, while still being held to many of the same mathematical constraints at play in nature that create natural fractal patterns.
 




Moreover, This style is very elemental as natural forces play a large role in the shaping of the piece.  Gravity, Moisture, Wind, and Temperature are all among the elements manipulated in select combinations to generate the final product.  Many viewers find it difficult to avoid identifying patterns and shapes that remind them of naturally occurring structures found in nature, such as coral, and this artist believes the elemental aspects of the style are responsible for those impressions.


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© Brett DeVerle Harris, 2006 - 2010