Tench Cholnoky



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//PIXELMOUTH

NYC-based collective

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p.04 Fibonacci TreeInstallation, Metalworking, Organics

Project Overview

    The Fibonacci Tree is my first large metal project, inspired by the organic growth patterns I started exploring in 2022. Each level of the tree branches out in the Fibonacci sequence, splitting to a total of eight leaves. Each leaf was cut to resemble a leaf of a Ficus tree. 

     The Fibonacci tree was done with cold pressed steel, bent with an oxy-acetelyne torch, TIG welded, and the leaves were plasma cut. The tree was sanded with a rough sand to imitate bark, and finished with a clear coat.




Inspirations

    While working on the metal tree I was reflecting on a few different things. I had been exploring Lindenmyer systems for a while, which are a notation system used to describe recursive growth. They are primarily used in two fields, rendering botanical growth and fractal math. My experiments with L-systems coincided with practicing more metal work, and the result was a plan to make a tree that could serve as an outlet for practicing metal work and reflecting on organic growth.


Metalworking

     
    The tree was primarily 1/4” and 3/8” steel rod stock, as well as 1/8” sheet steel. I cold cut the rods into 2’ sections, and TIG welded those together. 
From there I bent the tree into shape using an oxy-acetelyne torch with the help of a friend.

    After the tree was bent into shape, I plasma cut each leaf and the base plate by hand. I then sanded everything. Then I welded the baseplate to the tree first, and each leaf after. After a final round of sanding the tree I applied a coat of clear wax to prevent rust.