SCULPTING a PINE CONE with FIBONACCI GEOMETRY | James Parker Sculpture

Creating my sculpture of a Pine Cone with perfect Fibonacci geometry. Discussing how and why Fibonacci numbers play an important part in nature and my interperation of the spirals in a Pine Cone. I complete the model before delivering it to Powderhall Bronze Foundry to be cast. My latest challenge which will be exhibited at Chelsea Flower Show in May, sees me draw on inspiration from maths and nature. Geometry in nature can be captivating; From the pattern of the petals on a flower, the shells of mollusks and the progression of chords in music. From the formation of spirals in galaxies to the proportions of da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. It’s by no accident that Fibonacci spirals repeatedly appear in nature. The product of millions of years of evolution have lead mother nature to the conclusion that the numbers in a Fibonacci sequence make for the best chance of survival - whether it be to fit as many seeds in a given area, attract pollinators or for one leaf to avoid the shade of another. For me, abstract forms are often about subtraction. I prefer to focus on those details which capture the essence of a form whilst omitting other ’less important’ subtleties thereby producing an uncomplicated, pleasing form. Look closely at the humble pine cone and you’ll find intricately formed spirals in both clockwise and counter clockwise directions. The respective number of spirals in each direction are almost always consecutive numbers in a Fibonacci sequence. For example 5 spirals in one direction 8 in the other or 8 and 13, 13 and 21 etc. I knew this would be a challenge... I decided early on that these spirals that define the form and were where I ought to devote my attention. Precisely formed pentahedrons recede in the negative space formed between the spirals having the desired effect of bringing the intersecting spirals to the fore. I’m thrilled with how ’Pine Cone’ has turned out. After casting in bronze I look forward to exhibiting it in public at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. ’Pine Cone’ will be a limited edition in bronze cast at 750mm in height with other scaled editions being possible. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to ask. Background As a small child growing up on a farm on the west coast of Scotland I remember the Scot’s Pines towering above the house. They’d sway in the omnipresent breeze and occasionally be uprooted and land unnervingly close to our home. To my 4 siblings and I the neat little pine cones which littered the floor of our woodland playground offered liitle more than convenient ammunition. We’d collect them up before battle commenced and, well... ...we’re all here to tell the tale. The Scot’s Pine (Baltic Pine) cone is the type of cone that immediately come to mind when thinking of a cone - like a pointed ovoid with perfect spirals. COMMISSIONS I am available for public, private and corporate commissions. I ship my work worldwide and where required work on site building my sculpture in situ. MORE ABOUT MY WORK.... Find me on Instagram: Facebook: Website: Enquiries: enquiries@ CONTACT To discuss a commission or find out what work I currently have available for purchase, please use the contact details listed on my website above. DISCLAIMER This video is intended to be viewed for entertainment and is not a tutorial. I am completely self taught and aim only to give an insight into the process involved. #building #drystone #stonework