The Art of John Edmark | Talk by Paul Dancstep | Exploratorium

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Published 2016-12-02
What do plants know about numbers? A certain spiral pattern commonly seen in sunflowers, pinecones, and many species of cacti contains some surprising numerical properties. In this brisk talk, Paul Dancstep investigates this pattern through several kinetic sculptures by artist John Edmark. These mesmerizing artworks provide a number of insights into the mathematical lives of plants.

All Comments (21)
  • @rowkayzg
    As someone who failed Algebra 1 three times and to this day cannot figure out the tip on a lunch check, this was the most mesmerizing, brilliant explanation of a basic mathematical principle I have ever seen. Oh, how I wish I could "do" math! And what a terrifically enthusiastic, awe-inspiring talk! Thank you!
  • @iMoo1124
    What an absolutely beautiful video! Those animations were legitimately the best I've seen when it comes to informational talks; they were so smooth, and each elaborated further than they needed to to cement each idea. I really loved the lazy susan bit especially, how it rewound past the starting point, like it had a slight inertia.
  • Many times great ideas come to people on this sort of stand by mode, watching the plate rotating, thinking about a fallen apple, watching the water rising while the body deeps in... It's like the mind needs space to run at the maximun capacity. Amazing video! Gratitude!
  • @dxpert
    Wow - What an amazing talk and what fantastic art. Thank you for sharing.
  • this isnt related to my field at all as a chem phd but i love the way this dude builds up on concepts when hes explaining -- i really wanna emulate his style of presenting
  • @dietermarx5277
    As a math teacher, I say thank you. Live long and prosper.
  • @neesr13
    One of the best presentations I have ever been honored to witness. I only wish I had been there in person to praise the presenter and the artist, both of whom are outstanding in their respective fields.
  • @mailmemo
    Great talk. And your explanatory visuals were great too.
  • @nitinb9202
    Understanding or learning at childhood and becoming in awe in sixties is life. Thanks YouTube AI.
  • this is all equally fascinating as it is inspiring. i just fell in love with phyllotactic spyrals. math and art and nature coming together
  • I'm giving this video presentation a standing ovation! This was visually stunning, beautiful, and engaging. Thank you!
  • @chrissie1057
    thanks... really interesting to have this explained properly.
  • Just had one of those very rare "wow" moments. Need to see more of this!!!
  • @alocin110
    Simply Amazing and Mesmerizing! Thanks for sharing.
  • @92Pyromaniac
    What an inspiring talk! This is the sort of knowledge that I absolutely adore - beautiful and worthy just to behold, but with the potential to become useful in unexpected ways.
  • John Edmark is such an inspiring artist , working with nature ,math ,and art is just genius , they all elaborate on each other + I have never thought a microwave would lead to creating cool patterns
  • @1BelovedOne
    THAT, - was absolutely phenomenal!!! THANK YOU!!!
  • @tobberh
    Really cool and very fascinating presentation!!! But was actually surprised he didn't touch on the fact that the 137.5 degrees rotation is the same as the golden angle which is derived from the golden ratio.
  • @PatricioOta
    Brillante y hermoso! Muchas gracias por compartirlo