I began by collecting definitions of the word “spiral” to understand more about what it’s linked to.

I didn’t find anything that was very far removed from what I already understood from the word, so I looked into its interpretation within different fields/sectors. I became interested in how common the spiral symbol was, and how I’d underestimated the depth of meaning it could have. Here is a summary mind map of the main points I’d found:

Mind map from my notebook

The spiral could be found everywhere, from cultural symbols of creation and growth, to the psychology of the “upward spiral” (which is the opposite of the “downward spiral”). I gravitated towards the way that spirals and helixes repeatedly presented themsleves in nature, and contributed to a sense of order, balance and harmony that isn’t immediately associated with them. This can be seen in:

  • Fundamental DNA helix sequences
  • Natural elements (water, wind, flowers, etc.), and
  • Mathematical representations of spirals through Fibonacci numbers and golden ratios. They store information about the spiral in a structured way, whereas the spiral itself is a fluid and unconfined entity.

I was most interested in its presence in the cosmos and particles, wherein many objects can be seen to travel in a helical path. They are also present in larger structures, such as galaxies. For the planets and the sun to continue travelling in a helical path, all the forces acting on them must be precisely balanced to avoid collision. The existence of the helix/spiral is dependent on order and harmony. I’m really interested in the kinetic energy and dynamism that spirals can be associated with. I decided to further explore springs as representations of spirals/helixes, and as strong and balances objects that are often used in physics.

Photographs Taken

On my way home I looked out for anything that is spiral-related, and captured the following images:

Similar to the double spirals that are important in some cultures- used to hold things together stably.

Spiral structure on walkway.

Reminded me of sacred geometry.

Wrapping or winding- much like in springs.

Repeated spiral structure.

Pattern on tree spiral-like or spring-like.

Flapping and movement of sign- waves, compressions, fluctuations, oscillations and energy (all present in springs).

Some flowers have spiral patterns that can be mathematically mapped.

Spiral pattern on building.

Can picture a hyperbolic or lituus spiral mapped on this.

Springs

I’m interested springs because:

  • They are extremely strong, stable objects that are used to hold things together or keep them apart.
  • They are often used as tools in physics.
  • They have a lot of dynamism and energy associated with them. I am especially interested in their oscillatory movement and vibrations.

Looking further into definitions of the word “spring” I find:

  • Moving rapidly
  • Appearing suddenly or unexpectedly
  • Paying for, or spending money
  • One of the four seasons (which are caused by the tilt of the Earth)
  • Elastic helical coil/device
  • A flock of teal (teal is also a colour)

I’m currently in the process of working towards an artwork based on springs.