Which folds are making manifolds?

Talk by Daina Taimina (USA)
10.08.2009.

Manifolds are very interesting mathematical concept that appears in different areas of mathematics. I am most interested in representations of geometric manifolds. This interest is connected with my work in creating mathematical models of hyperbolic plane through crochet. Starting with purely educational models developed for teaching non-euclidean geometry in Cornell University I have become interested in representations of geometric manifolds as fiber art form. This journey from mathematics to art will be the topic of my lecture.

Daina Taimina was born in Riga, where she received PhD in mathematics. For 20 years taught different mathematics courses in the University of Latvia she is now an adjunct associate professor of mathematics in Cornell University. Crocheted first hyperbolic plane for using it in non-euclidean geometry class in 1997. Since then has crocheted more than hundred more turning geometric model to an art piece. Has given many public lectures and invited talks, and participated in art shows in USA, Belgium, Latvia, Italy, UK.

Taimina has written several books in mathematics. The most recent book is for the general audience about exploring hyperbolic geometry through crochet - Crocheting Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes (AKPeters, 2009)

Her idea about crocheting hyperbolic plane was picked up by The Institute for Figuring which they turned into worldwide project Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef, that now has involved many hundreds of crocheters.

Daina Taiminas work has been featured:

Nation Public Radio:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4531695

TV:
http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?language=english&type=&article_id=218392811,

Cabinet:
http://www.cabinetmagazine.org/issues/16/crocheting.php,

Discover:
(http://discovermagazine.com/2006/mar/knit-theory,

The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/11/nyregion/11cornell.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin,

The Times:
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article4243171.ece