Reese Ford

“Wake” is an exploration of the fibonacci sequence’s existence in nature and how it is repeated across a wide variety of living things. One of the most commonly found fossils containing this pattern are ammonites. Ammonites grow by realizing a spiral, starting in its center, and persistently grow outwards in the pattern by forming a new “chamber,” or compartment of the spiral. The mystery of how and why each organism of the species follows the same pattern subconsciously suggests that there is no “personal” choice made by ammonites, but instead by those who came before them evolutionarily. I chose to explore this concept in my piece by implicating the fibonacci ratio throughout the composition. Spirals are repeated throughout the painting, evident in the arrangement of four square wooden panels cut according to the fibonacci sequence, roots stemming downwards, and the large ammonite. Other aspects of ammonites, such as their inner growth chambers and fluorescent reflections present on their hard shells, are additionally present. The repetition and directionality of these assets serves to show the powerful presence of the fibonacci sequence as it relates to commonly uncovered fossilized ammonites.

This piece was created with oil paint using a variety of techniques. Through a range of varying brushstrokes creating smooth gradients, colorful transparencies, and opaque lines, intentional layering creates a unique ecosystem of repeated spirals. I chose to combine rigid and sharp lines with curved ones to portray the spiral as a powerful object despite curvilinear disruption. Interactions between these objects were important to highlight, similar to how the fibonacci spiral is embedded in the growth of different taxonomic groups: humans, oceanic life, and plants.