The Art and Mathematics of Cycling: Using Old Bicycles to Draw Spirograph Patterns
Nick Sayers

Proceedings of Bridges 2018: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, Education, Culture
Pages 455–458
Short Papers

Abstract

This paper describes a series of drawing machines made from scrap bicycles by the author. The characteristics of these machines are discussed, as are the maths and geometry of the curves that can be drawn with them. These patterns include: hypotrochoid (“Spirograph”), harmonograph (aka Lissajous curve or “pintograph”), and epitrochoid (“reverse Spirograph”). Some context is provided: science-inspired art made by the author from everyday materials, geometric drawing toys, and other artists investigating similar themes.

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