There are various definitions of fractals. Some of these definitions are complicated fractal mathematics and some are definitions for non-experts like me. Therefore, I will be able to give you only an explanation of self-taught basic fractal geometry since I started creating fractals in late 1999.
There are two main features to fractals. One feature is all fractals exhibit self-similarity at all scales. This self-similarity may be strict or loose. Strict fractal self-similarity is rare in nature and may be non-existent.
Let me try and explain loose self-similarity a little further. Imagine you’re in the kitchen and prepare a whole cauliflower for dinner. So what do you do? First, you break off a big branch from the whole cauliflower. What do you see now? You see a small cauliflower that looks similar i.e. loosely self-similar to the whole cauliflower you had a moment ago.
Now if you were to continue breaking off even smaller branches of cauliflower you’d end up with ever-smaller replicas of the whole cauliflower until nothing was left. That in effect is what fractals are, self-similar replicas at all scales. I know this is not how you prepare cauliflower but I hope you’re able to understand the nature of fractals a little more.
The other main feature of fractals is that they have infinite detail, though not always. Some people think fractals are trippy pictures. Some people think fractals are weird pictures. And some people even think fractals are funny pictures. I, however, believe fractals are Priceless Pictures! See what you make of them and I’m sure you’ll agree.
If you haven’t heard of fractal art, it’s not surprising… because the art form itself is only several decades old. And it’s different from most types of art we’re used to because it involves computers (which haven’t been a part of the mainstream world forever, either).
Fractal artists use their creativity, intelligence, passion, and computer knowledge to craft images that people call everything from soothing… to psychedelic… to organic… to spiritual… to timeless … while others like the work to the images you see through a kaleidoscope or the mandalas that are significant to Hindus and Buddhists.
Fractal artists also hear their work described as stunning, imaginative, abstract, complex, colorful, and deeply creative. Fractal art also appeals to a wide range of people: art lovers (of course), mathematicians, spiritualists, engineers, those in the healing arts (massage therapists, acupuncturists, etc.), people who are computer-savvy, and also interior designers, builders, and developers.
For those who are interested in a more technical description: These highly detailed images start as scripted algorithms in software that generates visual representations of a mathematical construct known as a fractal.
After the artist generates a base image, s/he chooses a color palate – one that can be derived from nature, a photograph, or from his mind. Once that image is applied, the image is manipulated geometrically, and then enhanced in image-processing software. Each image is processed on both Mac and Windows platforms and can take between two and 24 hours to create.
Recent new evidence has also indicated that Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR) can produce fractals as by-products. EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) was utilized together with an SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) for the identification of different chemical characteristics which resulted in magnificent fractals as well. Palladium, Platinum, Gold, Rhenium, Hafnium, etc. were identified which led to fascinating Fractal Images.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to identify the atomic properties. As another by-product, great fractal images were created as well which provides numerous possibilities for future projects.
Leonardo Da Vinci expressed it so beautifully. He said something like: “Everything is coming from everything; everything also is made up of everything; everything will return into everything”.
This is what essentially the nature of fractals is all about. Each fractal beautifully interconnects, interlocks, and interweaves with another fractal; yet each fractal is unique in its very own way.