Week 2 Blog: Math & Art

When we think of the arts, we most definitely do not think of math working alongside it. In contrast to last weeks topic, we learned that science and art go hand in hand. Similarly, this week we learned about how art and math also expand and grow with each other. Taking into consideration that information, this weeks topic expands further to understand why art and math work together so well and draw connections from arts connection to science to further understand the culture

This week learned that one of the most famous artists, Da Vinci, created most of his famous sketches and drawings of the human body using mathematics in order to achieve full symmetry. According to Atlay, "The artist is restricted only by his imagination and his facility with his chisel or brush, the scientist is restricted only by his imagination and his facility with his mathematics. The artist uses imagery and metaphor; the scientist, numbers, and mathematics" (Atalay, Ch. 2. 2004). Even though on the surface it might seem like mathematicians and artists have very few in common, when you look at it they both share very similar aspects. A mathematician does have to rely on imagery and creativity to solve unique issues and problems while artists will also use numbers and mathematics to find true symmetry.
This weeks research topic had me reflecting on an art project on symmetry that I worked on with my 8th-grade students. Many of the students I teach grew up in troubled and broken homes and many of them have faced a lot of trauma. We use art as a way of expanding our student's perspectives and minds, while also finding time during the day to de-stress and forget about the difficulties of every day. We conducted an art project with our students where we taught them how to use different mathematical linear slope equations to create a symmetrical project. I truly appreciated and enjoyed learning about the connection between art and math because I am able to take this every day with me to my classroom and my students. 
Abbott, E. "Return To Flatland the Film" 

Atlay, B. "Math and Mona Lisa: The art and science of Leonardo da Vinci" April 17, 2004.  

Vesna, V. "DESMA9: Lecture". UCLA. Los Angeles. Week 2 Lecture. 

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