Crested Cactuses and Mathematical Sculpture
Robert W. Fathauer

Proceedings of Bridges 2022: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, Culture
Pages 111–118
Regular Papers

Abstract

I describe features evidenced in cactus forms that are related to phyllotactic spirals, fractals, and tiling. I examine in greater depth plants exhibiting the growth abnormality known as cresting, in which superlinear growth creates structure related to hyperbolic geometry and fractal curves. I show five recent abstract clay sculptures inspired by crested cactus forms and describe the approach used for building each one.

Files