Perception is a matter of distinguishing order out of chaos. In our daily lives, we recognize and identify shapes, patterns and repetitions in our surroundings. At least, we try....

The artist in each of us appreciates the form and order we encounter.

Shapes, shadows, color and light provide countless patterns and recognizable textures.

For students of geometry, the graphic artwork of the Dutch iconoclast Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) provides inspiration for mathematically conceived art. His "symmetry art" and "mathematical art" play tricks on the eye, employing novel figure-ground concepts and Lewis Carroll-like paradox.

Because Escher's mathematical art (he did other stuff, too) employs every part of a plane, each figure, or "tile," can be called a tessellation. Everything fits together, like a puzzle. Duncan displays the start of a tessellation of the word "perfect."

Across campus, other examples of symmetry and figure-ground mathematics are evident. In Eco-dorm, Kelly sits behind his remarkable chessboard, which employs found seashells as pieces. The board itself, the product of his own time, features classic figure-ground mathematics, as raised squares function distinct from dug-out, routed squares.

In the boatshop, symmetry rules, as thin strips of cedar are cut (mathematics,) positioned, glued and stapled before application of fiberglass.

As we consider form, angle and shape, let's recognize senior Nick Fairall, who is soaring beyond anyone's expectations in national ski-jumping competitions. This image is generously provided by Susan Denney.

Tim Norris: "On December 31st, Nick convincingly won the New Year's Meet in Lake Placid against a national field including the best American Juniors. On January 8th, he was among an elite field of five American Juniors who qualified for the Junior World Championships." Ski jumping. Figure/ground with new meaning.....