Inspiration and the Wonder of the Collider Event Display
Inspiration and the Collider Event Display on a Tuesday 7/3/18
Ben, the physicist studies collider event displays. I, the art quilter looks for inspiration. We had our second meeting at my studio in the Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St. Downtown Santa Cruz. My studio is 243 square feet small but I have 3 walls to show my work on.
Fabric Layering Technique
I had a fabric layering piece in progress on my table. Then I explained the technique to Ben. First, I lay a piece of backing fabric on the table. I cover it with batting, the soft material inside of a quilt. Finally, I cover the piece with tulle netting and free motion quilt the three layers together. I like using this technique for making underwater fantasies and landscape quilts. I had previously made an interactive activity with precut fish and kelp for visitors to create an underwater scene. Since Ben had expressed an interest in creating some art as well, I thought that this would be a good introduction to the materials. It’s hard to create art on demand so Ben took it home to play with.
My inspiration comes from Fabmo
My inspiration comes from the materials and how they play together. Many of the materials I use come from FABMO(Fabric and more) http://fabmo.org/fabmo/Home.html. It is an all volunteer nonprofit based in Mountain View. It turns out that Ben lives nearby and jogs on the same street regularly. Each week FABMO volunteers visit the San Francisco Design Center. They collect materials; fabric samples, decorative details, wall paper sample, tiles, that would otherwise end up in the landfill. These materials available to the public for a donation. They even come to Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz about 5 times a year. I have been volunteering there for about 9 years. I am very passionate about sharing the work FABMO does as well as using their unique materials.
How do I Solve Problems?
Ben asked about limitations that I might have in my work. How do I solve problems? I find it necessary at times to stop when working on a piece.Then I return later to look at the work with “fresh eyes”. What else can be done to make it better? Are the colors and textures balanced? I had to admit that I do not stress too much about choices I make while making my art.
Let’s take a break.
Time for . . .
Fun Facts for Nonscientists
A cell is made up of molecules. A molecule is made up of atoms. An atom is made up of sub-atomic particles. Sub-atomic particles are made up of electrons and nucleons. A nucleon has protons and neutrons in it. A quark is smaller than that.
THE MYSTERY OF THE COLLIDER EVENT DISPLAY
At our first meeting, Ben, the collaborator had shown me photos of some collider event displays. Incredibly, they looked like fibers. He hoped that they might prove to be an inspiration. Some threadlike lines created a circle and crossed at the diameter. As far as art, they struck me as fairly uninspiring. However, after hearing the science behind it, they became much more interesting. Do not confuse a collider event display with a cardboard event display from a sales convention.
Path of One Particle
For example,each line represents the trajectory or path of one particle after a crash like event. The scientists break apart the particles to study them. The fallout from the crash like events can be predicted. The lines represent what it would look like after many collider events. When someone understands what they are really looking at, it becomes more interesting. Eureka! I created a truly inspired fiber piece with different threads, thicknesses, and colors. Above all, the scientific explanation solved the mystery of the uninspired photo.https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/02/fusion-of-art-and-physics-ii/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/05/atlas-revisited-in-art-quilting-studio/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/01/collider-event-displays/https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/a-scientifically-inspired-art-quiltatlas-in-rose/
