Carlo H. Séquin
“Morin-Mesh - red/green”
Zcorp. 3D color print, 5" tall, 2003.
The 'Morin Surface' is the symmetrical half-way point of the process of turning a sphere inside-out, assuming that this genus_0 surface can freely pass through itself, but that no sharp bends, creases, or tears are allowed. The exhibited shape is a modification of Morin's classical shape, so that it could be realized as a snow sculpture in a given 12 feet tall block of snow. This modified geometry also makes it easier to see inside the 4 "ears" to the inner self-intersections of the surface. Red and green identify the inner and outer surfaces of the original sphere.
“Scherk-Tower”
Bronze, 11" tall, 2007.
" Scherk's 2nd Minimal Surface" is a way to weave together two intersecting
planes so that an infinitely long chain of holes and saddles replaces the intersection
zone; it is possible to do that so that the resulting single surface has everywhere
zero Gaussian curvature. The same basic scheme can be used to also blend together
three planes that share a single intersection line. A small region, comprising
just 5 monkey saddles and 4 Y-shaped holes, has been cut out of such a minimal
surface; it has been artistically stretched and twisted to make a towering sculpture.
Carlo H. Séquin, Professor of Computer Science, EECS Computer Science
Division, University of California, Berkeley
"My professional work in computer graphics and geometric design has also provided
a bridge to the world of art. In 1994 I started to collaborate with Brent Collins,
a wood sculptor, who has been creating abstract geometrical art since the early
1980s. Our teamwork has resulted in a program called "Sculpture Generator 1"
which allows me to explore many more complex ideas inspired by Collins' work,
and to design and execute such geometries with higher precision. Since 1994,
I have constructed several computer-aided tools that allow me to explore and
expand upon many great inspirations that I have received from several other
artists. It also has resulted in many beautiful mathematical models that I have
built for my classes at UC Berkeley, often using the latest computer-driven,
layered-manufacturing machines. My profession and my hobby interests merge seamlessly
when I explore ever new realms of 'Artistic Geometry'."