Artist statement
| 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 13 |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 15 |
From the moment I first encountered an “x” in school, I was deeply moved and fascinated by mathematics—not only as a method but also as a phenomenon in itself. The beauty of graphs, curves, and geometric figures captivated me. Later on, I discovered number systems different from our decimal system. Binary: as if you had only two fingers. The strict rhythm that follows, especially when visualized in columns, has never left me.
As a true nerd, I have other passions: programming and, for the past fifteen years, physical making. So when I came across the new AxiDraw drawing robot from what was then Evil Mad Scientist Laboratory (now Bantam Tools), I realized I could combine these three loves. I program mathematical patterns and let the drawing robot bring them to life. Mathematics, programming, and making—all in one.
These days, I explore not only binary patterns but also other number systems, different patterns, excursions into the physical world, and combinatorial problems. Revealing things that have always existed but have never been shown. I strive for completeness, because if it’s not complete, it’s not worth doing.
Arjan van der Meij (email)