The fractal is one of the most intriguing mathematical systems known to man. A deep, multi-textured and layered universe, one that so gracefully mirrors the natural, but created by a relatively simple algorithmic equation. Iterate Z = Z2 + C and you come up with an infinitely repeating fractalized image. What better way to define the economy of scale?
Tom Beddard is a retired physicist and, you might say, enamored by fractal economy. He’s developed a program that can render fractals like never before: as textures on surfaces, or perhaps architecture, or even biological formations in the process of escalation, but at the same time not escalating at all. You’ll see what I mean.
In the video below, his shapes border on baroque, billowing and blooming like a living organic or even alien mass. To get the full spectacle, watch it in motion. It’s a little mindblowing.
The sequence of Beddard’s fractal reminds me of the Shepard Tone, a dynamic system that results only in stasis, or perhaps the feeling you get while crushed by an intense acid trip, how essence inexplicably condenses into shape and form, the majesty of creation, only to dissipate into nothingness, and then everything starts all over again. Surely this is what this test subject was witnessing.
I’m excited to keep tabs on Beddard’s work. He says he’s working on a “WebGL 3D fractal renderer that will let you explore infinitely repeating structures like this in real time”. I’m not sure what that means, but I’m sure as hell looking forward to finding out.
If these images intrigue you, I would would roll on over to Beddard’s projects page. There’s some seriously cool imagery there as well.
For a full quality version of the video above take a look here.
Hat tip, Triangulation Blog
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