EmilyDvorin

My whole life, I have always held myself in "low math esteem". The word MATH makes me shake my head, even shudder. I was the kid all through elementary school who asked "why?" when given math problems or exercises. I never got an adequate answer. I had teachers who said "just do it exactly the way I showed you on the black board. " As soon as I could, I stopped taking math classes, avoiding them whenever possible,  substituting any other classes. I had myself convinced that I just plain disliked MATH.

So many years later, here I am contemplating a childhood decision. Basketry is full of MATH! Little did I realize that I use mathematical concepts every day in my studio, in every piece of art, in every shape I form, in all technical issues of putting together elements that I work with, in all the patterns, sequences and joinings that come about. Space, symmetry, structure is ever present in my work. I am always thinking architecturally, mathematically, systematically. In many ways, I am an engineer. And, of course, MATH is my tool! Who would have thought that MATH would be my friend!

And, as if that is not enough, the more I think about it, MATH is hidden in my everyday life. I love to cook. There is MATH again. Even driving, talking on the phone, getting dressed in the morning, watching TV, doing homework with my grandsons... there it is again! I am hereby declaring peace, forgiveness and especially an apology to MATH! I have regarded it so poorly. I have bad-mouthed it. I have put it down. Now, I have changed my mind.

I guess I AM good at MATH!