"Phi" Wall Art

My bedroom has a large, flat, boring wall that needed a little character. After browsing through thousands of overpriced wall décor pieces online, I decided to make my own. I knew I wanted something wood, in an abstract shape, but also something that had a little meaning behind it. What I came up with is an arrangement of wood sticks all sized and positioned by following the “Golden Ratio”

What is the “Golden Ratio”? Per Wikipedia: “In mathematics and the arts, two quantities are in the golden ratio if the ratio of the sum of the quantities to the larger quantity is equal to (=) the ratio of the larger quantity to the smaller one. The golden ratio is an irrational mathematical constant, approximately 1.6180339887” This interesting Ratio, also referred to as “Phi”, occurs all throughout nature, music, renaissance art and architecture. It has also been said to play a role in the human perception of beauty. (For example, if the spacing of a person’s facial features mimic the golden ratio, then they appear more beautiful than those whose do not)

Step 1 Materials and Tools

6) 6’-0”x ½”square pine strips (choose the straightest pieces possible)
24) #8 x 1” wood screws
2) Picture hangers
1) Can of Stain (Red Oak)
1) Can of Stain (Golden Oak)
1) Can of Wood Conditioner

Saw (Circular saw suggested for straighter cuts)
Drill w/ countersink bit
Sander w/ 220 grit sandpaper
Tape Measure
Rags
Gloves (recommended) Note: The stain will dissolve latex gloves so use something heavier.
Wood Clamps (recommended)

Comments

[PreKrime]

Man if you had a Phi caliper you could go to town on these! Heck I wish there was an Instructable on how to make a Phi Caliper! :)

[buzhik]

Could you please add measurements to the Step 2 where you have an image of 5 groups? Your instructions have an overall length and number of stick. I just need to know at what point they cross in each of the 5 elements. For red, green and blue scheme I just need to know 1 measurement - the cross point on the longer stick. Thank you!!... Off to Home Depot to pick up materials :)

[kaptaink_cg]

There are some screenshots and a PDF you can download in Step 3. These have all the dimensions you will need to create the artwork. Please post pics once you've completed it!

[buzhik]

I have so many empty walls... I'll have to make this art piece. Very cool.

[griffin311]

I am having a hard time deciphering your measurements on the plans sheets. A higher res picture would be nice, or just a list the measurements for each piece. Thanks.

[kaptaink_cg]

The lengths are listed in Step 2, and you can download a higher res PDF file in step 3.

[littlepetry]

Very Nice. I just might have to do this.

[blopez]

I wonder if the Japanese knew about the ratio because there is something very Zen about it. It's quite beautiful.

[kaptaink_cg]

The interesting thing is in a lot of art, the ratio seems to show up on it's own. For example, there have been discussions that Leonardo DaVinci used the ratio when painting the Mona Lisa, but there is nothing in his notes that would imply it was intentional. http://www.coastal-style.com/mona-lisa.html

[andrecarnicel]

Nice!!!

[Retirement1]

I think you read my mind, I have been looking for a project for a large bare wall in my living room - and here it is!!

[David Catriel]

Very nice idea!

[Bramael]

Love it! I've been looking for some wall art.

[deusexmachina]

This is very nice!

[frydaddy]

my only problem with this structible is the fact that I would get beat up by my friends when I tried to explain the math behind it. HA! Looks good, and very contemporary. Nice job.

[solihin_ahmad]

cool

[Michaelgoode]

thats awesome, and looks really good

[l8nite]

interesting way to create art

[arctic_squirrel]

Soooooooo much math. it hurts!

[ChrysN]

Nice!

[Kiteman]

That is really pleasing on the eye.

Maybe a bit... "1970s", but that's the decade I grew up in.

[lemonie]

I like it.

L