About
Bert's Quest to Inspire Science through Polyhedral Math Art
$2,710
32
In the words of Albert P. Carpenter:
Your gift will help me make important connections
Two of my pieces were recently accepted for the 2015 Bridges Conference on connections between art and mathematics, being held in Baltimore, MD. The conference will consist of art exhibits, speakers, and various workshops. I want to attend this conference so I can share my ideas with other like-minded individuals, and to gain new knowledge and insight from the minds of others as well. I hope to make connections there with people who are (or who know) scientists interested in studying polyhedra.
Your gift could help science research new molecules
I have invented and discovered multiple varieties of polyhedra and molecular models ready for chemical synthesis or 3D (Chem) Printing. My aim in presenting these structures is to inspire materials scientists i.e chemists, nanochemists and nanoscientists as well as geometers to study them with the hope that they will one day be synthesized/printed in laboratories, resulting in a wide range of applications. I envision new molecules that can be used in the fields of medicine and industry!
My collection of Nolidean Polyhedra (zero volume polyhedra) or Porous Polyhedral Molecular Models are based upon or derived from the five Platonic and thirteen Archimedean polyhedra . Many of them are novel to Geometry/Materials Science.
I also believe a kit of the wooden pieces I've used to make the large polyhedra would make an excellent construction learning toy, to be sold in science stores, or perhaps for scientists themselves to use in modeling. I would like to meet contacts to help me in this endeavor also.
I am hoping that the idea of making a construction toy out of the wooden sculptures does not undermine the significance of the rest of my work (or even presenting sculpture along with molecular models for that matter). I include the idea of such a possibility (of a construction toy) because I think its important to teach the youth of the world to think in terms of these and related structures (polydice and softballs not withstanding).
#BertsQuest
From Sabrina Wilson, project creator:
In the spirit of transparency, a complete summary of estimated costs is below.
Transportation: Car usage: $280
Accommodations: $686 (7 nights at $98/day, tax included) (hotel includes breakfast)
Parking: $252 (7 days at $36/day) (at hotel, best price in the city)
Meals: $480 ($10 x 2 for lunch, $20 x 2 for dinner = $60 per day x 8 days). Although at times some meals may be less expensive, these estimates include taxes and tips. (Bert is unable to drive due to his bi-polar medications, so I, Sabrina, will be with him to drive.)
Travel insurance: $35
Phone/calling card expenses: $30
Business cards $40
Sightseeing: American Visionary Art Museum: $34 (2 x $16)
Conference registration fee: $240
Shipping art to Bridges and as rewards: $200
Snacks: $40 (Snickers and Coke fund, $5 per day x 8 days)
Kickstarter and bank fees: $250 (approximately- Kickstarter's 5% fee, and payment processing fees (between 3% and 5%))
Total Trip Cost: $2567*
Gifts will be processed for payment on June 5th, 2015
* If goal is exceeded, the monies will be used towards continuing the quest! Obtaining computer software and materials, making new models, meeting new connections. Thanks for your support!
Risks and challenges
While I fully intend to attend the Bridges Conference in Baltimore, in the event of excessive unrest or severe weather, I would choose to not risk life or limb and therefore not participate in the conference at that time. If this were the case, the money would be either held in anticipation of attending a similar conference, or used to facilitate travel and meetings with people who could help me achieve my original goals.
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Funding period
- (31 days)