Abstract
Why do I keep crocheting hyperbolic planes? Since the very first one I made in 1997, I made countless others. It
all began with my desire to make teaching hyperbolic geometry tactile -- more approachable to everybody. That
simple crochet pattern I use to make a hyperbolic plane model essentially is a demonstration of exponential growth;
and that growth can sometimes lead to unexpected results, as it happened in my case. In my talk I will speak about
my journey beginning with classroom models, making fiber art pieces for exhibits, writing the book Crocheting
Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes (2nd edition, CRC Press, 2018), and working on several art installations. I want
to talk about the experiences I had along my journey, and what I learned from these experiences. I will also talk
about the largest installation I have authored – Dreams and Memories (2nd Riga Contemporary Art Biennale, May
15-October 11, 2020).
