Artist Statement

Both science and art present us with views of the world that provide us with powerful insights, valuable information, and new knowledge.
Nelson Goodman

AIMS, SOURCES, INFLUENCES

Fractals are mathematical self-repeating patterns which describe nature and infinity. They were brought to the attention of the general public by the mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot approximately 30 years ago. These quirky formulae are acknowledged as an interesting and odd subset of modern geometry.

As an artist it is fascinating to create these models on the computer and find art and narrative in geometry.

The profoundly attractive colours and shapes of fractal imagery captivate me. Over the years I have discovered meaning in these iterated equations. I believe ultimately many universal questions will be answered through application of this geometry.

The ability of human beings to make sense out of chaos is an endless source of fascination. Curiosity pushes me to explore why I am so drawn to these images. Why do they attract others? Are we hard wired to see fractals? And if so, why and what are they telling us?

MATERIALS, METHODS

My work follows the basic principles of quilt making: batting sandwiched between backing and a pieced and/or appliquéd top, the three layers quilted together.

Working with printed cotton I incorporate my own hand dyed fabrics, shibori, cotton and silks. Other manmade and natural fabrics are included such as polyesters, velvets, silks and linens.

Wholecloth pieces are created by printing fractal imagery onto silk or cotton. The edges are frayed and the piece is stitched onto a painted cotton covered stretched canvas.

Piecing is done with fine cotton or cotton covered polyester; appliqué with fine silk thread, quilting with cotton, rayon, and a variety of hand dyed cottons and silks; embroidery with silk ribbons, silk and cotton thread and other novelty threads; embellishments with what suits the final piece. All the work is done by hand using needlework tools and a domestic sewing machine. Being in immediate contact with the materials adds to the pleasure of creation.

Rose Rushbrooke
Artist