Seagardens Aotearoa
A unique, New Zealand interpretation of the intersection of higher geometry, a traditional handicraft and testimony to the disappearing wonders of the marine world!
Seagardens Aotearoa consists of three strands
1. Mathematics and hyperbolic geometry. Hyperbolic geometry occurs frequently in nature. Marine organisms, including kelp, sea slugs, sea anemones, nudibranchs and flat worms are prime examples.
You will be surprised when you discover how many plants and animals have a hyperbolic geometry! Consult the work of mathematician, Dr Daina Taimina
2. Crochet and a traditional handicraft. The craft of crochet has enjoyed a revival recently. Passing on these ‘traditional crafts’ is an important part of intergenerational learning. Most people who crochet would deny that their craft has any complex mathematical element, but read any crochet pattern or diagram and you will recognise many mathematical components.
Hyperbolic crochet is surprisingly simple. It is easy for a complete beginner to undertake as a project and the results can be observed almost immediately. It is an opportunity for older people from many cultures to share their skills with younger people. I have been surprised by the response of young people who see me crocheting and want to learn.
Participants in the project – anyone who can or wants to crochet!
3. Disappearing wonders of the Marine world! A celebration of the biodiversity of the New Zealand region marine ecosystem, DiverCity!
Wade Doak, marine author, teacher, diver and photographer has called the marine environment of the Poor Knights Islands ‘..a wall of mouths’.
In 1998 I was privileged to design and construct a life sized model of this unique environment in the Oceans gallery at Auckland War Memorial Museum. How appropriate that as I was about to leave the Museum in 2009, in celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, my last project should be an installation in the Oceans Gallery, next to the Poor Knights Wall, the crochet hyperbolic ‘Seagardens Aotearoa’.
Inspired by the response by fibre artists and visitors who contributed to the installation in the Oceans Gallery, I am now taking Seagardens Aotearoa to the community.
