Join Houston Center for Contemporary Craft for presentations by TOPSOIL artist, Sarah House, and Dr. Thomas Lapen, Associate Professor of Geology in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston, as they discuss the presence of fractal geometry found in art and nature.
A fractal is a mathematical set that contains patterns that exist on both a microscopic and macroscopic level. In scientific analysis, these geometric patterns may be used to identify trends in seemingly chaotic and random phenomena, such as volcanoes, earthquakes and mineral deposits. Ceramist Sarah House utilizes fractal geometry in her work to demonstrate the interconnectedness of our natural environment.
Sarah House
Practicing in New Orleans, ceramist Sarah House creates functional wares and sculptural installation work. House received an MFA in studio art from Tulane University (2012) and a BFA in ceramics from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art (2006). She has participated in several residency programs, including Baltimore Clayworks, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, the International Ceramics Studio, Tainan National University of the Arts, and the International Ceramics Research Center. She has received numerous awards, including the Windgate Fellowship, the Nyburg Fellowship, and the Baker Artist Award.
Dr. Thomas Lapen
Dr. Thomas Lapen is the associate professor of geology in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston. He holds a BS in geology from Central Washington University and a MS in geology from Western Washington University. Dr. Lapen received his PhD in geology in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2008, the University of Houston awarded Dr. Lapen the John C. Butler Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Lapen’s research interests include mountain-building processes, sediment dispersal patterns, early Solar System chronology, and planetary geology.
Above: Sarah House, “Ad Infinitum 6,” 2012. Porcelain. Photo by Sarah House.
