I struggle with writing about my work. While I was in undergrad, I got a degree in math. I made art as well, but I always thought of it as separate from my academic studies. I was rarely asked to explain what or why I was making, and I almost never had to write about my work. There is still a part of me that associates academic work and research with doing math exercises and problem sets. I am still learning how to connect my thinking, making, and writing within my artistic practice. I usually do not have a problem describing the math that is embedded in my work. This is familiar territory, but when it comes to other aspects of my work, I am less articulate.
I like how Rachel Jones talks about the value of not knowing and how that can lead to wonder. I would like my work to produce a sense of wonder and a desire for more knowledge. I find wonder in the parts of my work that I cannot understand fully. I think part of why I am making art work about math instead of studying math is because I am trying to express something that cannot fully be put into words. Jones talks about being undone in order to think and make openly. She thinks one must let go of what he or she previously thought and become open to new ideas, in other words one has to learn how to “unlearn”. This is where my practice does not completely agree with Jones. Some of the mathematical elements of my work, remain very rigid, and do not have an opportunity to remain open to change. I model my work on the computer, and once I decide on a design and start fabricating it, there is only so much room to change. I am looking for a balance of knowing and not knowing in my work. I am interested in the certainty and reliability of the math in my work, but I also want to allow for wonder and mystery.
Camila Friedman-Gerlicz 