Weekly Photo Challenge: Numbers

Weekly Photo Challenge: Numbers.

Oddly enough, I’m working my way through “Numb3rs” when I found this. I’ve been looking for it for a while, but here is the Fibonacci sequence (which was just mentioned in the episode I’m watching). It was taken at Beaubourg, the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, France during my exchange there in October of 1992. I was the only one in the group who actually knew what it was before they announced it. Thanks Dad.

The sequence begins 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21… You’ll have to look up the rest.

Neon Fibonacci Sequence in Paris, France

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Autistic…Artistic…Sounds pretty close.

My father put this article in front of me this evening: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/14/nyregion/children-with-autism-connecting-via-bus-and-train.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=autism&st=cse

Oliver, left, and Ravi Greene, who are regular visitors to the New York Transit Museum.

There are three things about this article on the surface that are eye-catching to me:

1. I have a brother named Ravi
2. He has autism; and
3. He likes trains

I wonder how much of a coincidence this is. Now, if I dig deeper into the article, I am reminded of the sessions that I attended at the Art Gallery of Ontario on Saturday. Though I did not attend this particular discussion, I wonder if this museum has touched on a great idea.

One of the interesting things that I heard about at this event is the fear of some parents with small children that their little hands might touch something they aren’t supposed to. I also know that there are movies for mummies where they have an afternoon showing of a movie for mothers with small children without fear of babies crying and disturbing someone else.

So why not have a day for families that have people with disabilities? I know that sometimes, people with disabilities feel uncomfortable, but so do some of those around them. In a place like a gallery, many expect to have a quiet atmosphere, but some can’t control it, much like my brother who has Tourette’s Syndrome. Have one day a month or something similar where families can view the artwork without worrying about disturbing anyone else because everyone else is doing it too. This would not only set the minds of those with the disability at ease, but also those who care for them. Couldn’t hurt to have others around that might learn how to integrate those with disabilities into their lives as well. Just a thought…

How I Got Started In Origami

Even when we were kids, my brother Ravi was known more as the artist than I was. I sucked at any sort of visual medium and art in general. I’ve always needed some king of boundary or guideline. The infinite realm of possibilities was always overwhelming and stopped me before I started.

Ravi became interested in origami paper because of the patterns on a similar shape (squares). He didn’t want to make shapes or fold it, he just wanted to look at all the designs and colours. Inside the packages of paper were instructions that showed how to fold the paper correctly. It was perfect! Specific instructions and a definite right and wrong way of doing it.

I began with one of the most common ones, the Japanese Crane. I practiced it, bought books on it and became quite good at it. I could do it with my eyes closed…literally. Then I turned to something my mother swears she knew when I was 12: Teaching.

This was really the first teaching gig I got and I was 16 years old at my local rec centre. I made a proposal to the advisory council for a new course. I taught a full class for two years and it always had a waiting list. When the budgets were being cut and there was a chance the class would be ditched, we did an “Origami-a-thon” and an “Origami Auction” to raise the money. We raised more than enought to keep the program for another term and take an outing to the The Japanese Paper Place.

This is how I got my start. Next time, I’ll talk about my masterpiece. Stay tuned!

UPDATE: Just decided to add this photo with the cranes. A few that I had sitting around the house.

FITC Day 1 – Favourite Session

Back to the Future: Part II – James White (@SignalNoise)

I arrived at FITC a little late this morning, so I caught the second session. Boy! What a way to start the conference! I don’t usually consider myself to be artistic or creative, but I have to admit, I was inspired by James’s talk. He is an artist who has a “Retro Futurist” style. He loves designing posters and is an old school metal head. Even wore an Iron Maiden T-shirt for his presentation. I have to party with this guy! I came away from it inspired to create, even if it is just origami. I’ve never been much of an artist or very creative, though I’ve been enjoying writing lately. The only arts I’ve ever been good at have been my origami and martial arts. Guess it’s time to breathe new life into them both, maybe even find a new one. Thank you, James.

I know this entry is a bit short, but I’m going to catch up on everything most likely after the show is over.  I hope that I’ve at least caught your interest enough to stay tuned for a few more.