Symmetry in Art and Nature

Nature displays an infinite array of geometric shapes, from the small atom to the greatest of the spiral galaxies. Crystalline solids, the honeycomb of a bee, snowflakes, the arrangement of seeds on sunflowers and on pinecones, the spiral of the nautilus shell, the spider's web, and the regular polygons found in the basic shapes of many flowers are just a few of nature's geometric masterpieces.

Perhaps the most common geometric characteristic found in nature and art is symmetry. The word symmetry brings to mind other words like balance, harmony, and equally proportioned. Flowers, fish, birds, butterflies and many other natural objects are symmetric. The human body has what is called bilateral symmetry. Both the chambered nautilus and crystals grow symmetrically. Symmetry appears so abundantly in nature; in plants, in animals, and in crystalline structures - that is not surprising that artists throughout history have taken pleasure in symmetric designs. Visual symmetry is found in the arts and crafts of culture all around the world.

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