FRACTAL BENEFITS: BIOLOGY, GEOMETRY, AND YOUR WOODWORKING

Have you ever paused to consider the uncanny resemblance between your thumbprint and the rings of a tree? Or how the intricate branching of a tree mirrors the delicate network of your own nervous system? These striking similarities, often overlooked, point to a profound connection between human biology and the fractal geometries found throughout nature.

As woodworkers, we spend our days immersed in the intricate patterns and textures of wood. We witness the beauty of the grain, the way it twists and turns, creating unique and mesmerizing patterns. These patterns, born from the tree's growth, are a testament to the fractal nature of life itself.  We must connect with these patterns in order to harness both their beauty and their stress. 

The Power of Fractals

According to Terrapin Bright Green's research on healing environments, "There are geometrical rules of biological forms with which we share a template. This structure is believed to elicit a general response in humans of recognizable “kinship” that cuts across the divide between living and inanimate form."

This "kinship" with the natural world, this inherent understanding of fractal patterns, goes beyond mere aesthetics. It can foster a deeper connection to the materials we work with and a renewed respect for the living organisms from which they originate. When the fractal structure of the eye matches the fractal image being viewed, it triggers a physiological resonance that reduces stress.

Tree rings, grain pattern, and branching are all part of a tree's fractal nature, which is a repeating pattern that occurs at different scales. Fractal geometry can even be used to estimate stand density, predict forest succession, and describe the form of trees. 

The Benefits of Biophilia

Research by Smith and Lee has shown that exposure to natural environments, and specifically fractal patterns, can have immediate and profound effects on our well-being. These include reduced stress levels, improved mood, increased creativity, and even enhanced empathy.

Have you ever noticed how a walk in the woods can instantly lift your spirits? The scent of pine needles, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, the intricate patterns of bark – these elements of the natural world have an undeniable impact on our emotional and psychological states.

Bringing the Forest Inside

As woodworkers, we have the unique opportunity to bring the beauty and power of nature into our homes and workplaces. By crafting objects from sustainably sourced wood, we connect with the natural world and share its beauty with others. Each piece of furniture, each handcrafted object, becomes a testament to the intricate beauty of nature and our own creative connection to it.

At CS Woods we use the largest piece of solid wood we can for a project to preserve these elements of the natural world and their benefits. By using single slabs and bookmatches instead of glue ups, we maximize carbon sequestration, biophilia, and wellness of both the natural world and our own. 

This weekend, take a moment to step outside and observe the fractal patterns that surround you. Notice the intricate veins of a leaf, the branching patterns of a tree, the swirling patterns in the clouds. Then, bring that awareness back to your workshop, and let it inspire your next creation.

We invite you to explore the wonders of wood and discover the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.