Catherine A. Boyer, MA, LCSW
Fractal Images
New York, New York 10024
The images on this site are computerized images of fractal equations.
Classical geometry assumes regularity. In fractal geometry we find the formulas that describe what looks like chaos – imagine, for example, the movement of clouds.
Fractals display self-similarity – the pattern of the whole is repeated in the parts. You can see this most clearly on this site in the image on the Home page.
A good everyday example of a fractal is a head of broccoli. If you look at it closely, you’ll see that the tiniest florets look a lot like the medium-sized florets; and the medium sized florets look a lot like the whole head of broccoli.
Fractal geometry is everywhere in nature. Other examples where you can see this self-similarity are the branching of trees, frost crystals, the surface of the moon, spider webs, the structure of the heart – and it is there in the electrical activity of your brain.
You can clearly see the way fractals repeat their parts by watching this beautiful video.
If you are interested in reading more about fractals and non-linear dynamic systems, here is an excellent book written for non-scientists: Chaos: Making a New Science
Mathematician Ron Eglish is the author of African Fractals: Modern Computing and Indigenous Design, a book about fractal patterns that underpin art, including architecture, in many parts of Africa. This is an interesting video of Ron discussing his work.
The images on this site are computerized images of fractal equations.
a book about fractal patterns that underpin art, including architecture, in many parts of Africa. This is an interesting video of Ron discussing his work.
