The Many Dimensions of Space, Time, Art: Lemonade Day

. I'm taking the opportunity of this unplanned time off to connect with the many artists and creators in this wonderful city that I love. Come with me on my 100-day odyssey of art and creativity in Long Beach. I call it .

And now, for an intermission break!  We've been talking of Geocaching apps, muggles and caches.  There's a whole lot more to come, but I want to think for a while about the multi-dimensional world in which we live.

Barry Rothstein and the 3-D Club's 3-D show () opens at the Vaden Roi gallery at 727 Pine St. in downtown Long Beach today.  and their followers are expected to be present!  7-10PM.

September 6th was Day 67.  I'm talking about dimensions.

Multi-Dimensional.  What exatly does that mean?  In researching the term dimension, I find the answer is much more complicated than one might think.

There are many meanings to the word dimension.  This is evidenced by the fact that it's necessary to have a dimension disambiguation page on Wikipedia.  First you have to decide whether you're talking of spatial dimension, dimensions in time, dimension as used for measurement.  This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.  (I've always wanted to say that...) 

Spatial Dimension (1-3)

Our world as we usually see and talk about it is in the dimensions of space. 

Linear Mathematics define positions on a line using one dimension.  Usually x.  Positions can be described relative to origin x=0, and other positions on the line, x1-x2.

Planar Mathematics defines position on a plane using two dimensions, usually x and y.  Again, positions can be described relative to an origin (x=0,y=0) and other positions on the plane.

Three dimensional Mathematics uses coordinates x, y, z to identify positions relative to an origin (x=0,y=0,z=0), and calculate positions relative to other positions (x1-x2, y1-y2, z1-z2).

Non-Spatial Dimensions

Beyond the coordinates of relative space it gets a bit more difficult to understand, so I will use some examples as presented by others and wild thoughts in my head.

When we go to the Disneyland show "Honey I Shrunk The Kids" or the LEGOLAND "LEGO Racers 4-D" or "Spellbreaker 4-D", we don 3-D glasses so that the images pop out at us.  Then, at key points in the movie, we experience another dimension through our senses.  We are splashed with drizzle or feel blasts of air as if little critters were scurrying by.  That's the 4th D in Disneyland and LEGOLAND's 4-D.

Here is a PBS article on imagining other dimensions.

And here is one on multidimensional math with an interactive drawing tool.

Some science fiction stories are based around the concept of multiple dimensions of time.  An infinite number of event possibilities occurring in the same physical space.  Now that I say that, please don't ask me which science fiction story.  It's possible that it's science fiction fiction.

At ths point I will say that I do recall having been very confused by all of this in high school.  I'm still confused.

Here's another discussion of dimensions.  A quote:

"Yet, we can only remain certain of our three spatial dimensions and one of time. If other dimensions await us, they're beyond our limited perception -- for now."

Tips, Tidbits, Things

•  I think Karma is saying "You're trying much too hard, Trish!"
• If you want to experience some cool 3-D art, visit tonight's opening at the Vaden Roi gallery!
• "COOL 3-D Event -- Opens Sept 7 thru Sept 21:  I'm pleased to announce that with Vayden Roi Galleries I'm producing a two week 3-D gallery show, "Visual Stereo" at The Bungalow, 727 Pine Avenue in downtown Long Beach.  It will kick off on Friday, September 7 with a reception from 7pm to 10pm, showcasing the work of James Comstock, Abe Fagenson, Cassie Kaufman, Lawrence Kaufman, David Kuntz, Eric Kurland, David Lee, Jim Long, John Lucero, Jerry Oldaker, Barry Rothstein, James Staub, Terry Wilson, Ray 3-D Zone, and others.  There will be some food and drink and a live performance by Toaster Music."

 Want more lemonade?             

If you would like to contact me, please email me at  info@handmadepenguin.com

Trish Tsoiasue writes as herself about creative and maker topics for and as Handmade Penguin for the Handmade Penguin Blog.  She is currently playing .