#fractals

Getting a computer to draw a shape in the way that a human would requires programming in some imperfection. The simple idea is to add in some randomization of drawing coordinates, which could be done in various ways. Below are two examples of imperfect circles drawn in an HTML5 canvas with JavaScript, where the imperfection has been added through the use of a fractal-like subdivision algorithm. The imperfection can be subtle, but it is enough to make the image appear to be human-drawn. Although the images are quite simple I find them quite nice to look at.

Here’s another experiment which makes use of a noisy data set defined by fractal subdivision, this time applied to create some interestingly textured gradients

Fabergé Fractals by Tom Beddard, using his WebGL-based fractal engine, Fractal Lab.

After reading an article about the use of fractal mathmatics in the design of cell phone antennas that have incredible bandwidth in spite of their extremely small size, I began to experiment with using a very simple fractal pattern, the Koch Snowflake, as the basis for an easy to build indoor HDTV antenna.

After reading an article about the use of fractal mathmatics in the design of cell phone antennas that have incredible bandwidth in spite of their extremely small size, I began to experiment with using a very simple fractal pattern, the Koch Snowflake, as the basis for an easy to build indoor HDTV antenna.

"did some experiments last night: wood + saline + high voltage supply + variac = fractal burn patterns. tried different kinds of wood with various effects. unfortunately my recollection of which types of wood are displayed are spotty. will update later. stay tuned for photos of my fractal wood burning coat rack."