Mr. Fleez on Art: MC Escher.

As a feline, I possess no lasting interest in the maths. I agree that mathematical reasoning is important to someone, somewhere, but I'm purrfectly blissful in my ignorance of it. Though, in spite of my indifference toward the science itself, I cannot deny the benefits heaped upon the artistic community by those who recognize the value of mathematical precision. One such person was a Mr. Maurits Cornelis Escher, who, surprisingly, had an admitted dread of the subject himself.

MC Escher was born on the 17th of June 1898 in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. As a child he was raised by his father George Escher, a civil engineer, and stepmother Sarah, apparently the wife of a civil engineer who had hoped her stepson would enter the much esteemed field of architecture. Much like many brilliant men, he attended school but failed to excel in many subjects. As a result, he never officially graduated, and even though he was eventually presented an opportunity for higher education, ill health kept him from attaining the aspirations of his father. Instead, he focused on his art, something for which we are all most grateful.

Even though MC Escher failed to become an architect, the endeavor to placate his father brought him to the School for Architecture and Decorative Arts in Haarlem, Netherlands. This is where he met with Samuel Jesserum de Mesquita, a teacher who opened his eyes to a new course, one better suited to him: Graphic Arts. Mr. De Mesquita (Does that mean the mosquito?) helped Escher hone his skills and learn in depth the woodcut printing techniques that have given shape to so many of his artistic visions. He gave Escher the encouragement and assistance of a true mentor, and provided him with the courage to follow an aspiration of his own.

Though not a formally educated research mathematician, he proved himself such by the meticulous study and documentation of his methods. Throughout the course of his life, MC Escher developed his style, relying heavily on the laws of geometry and symmetry and had written several notebooks on the subjects of shape, color and symmetrical properties. His works breathed life to his visions from basic division of the plane, to the two-dimensional representation of physical impossibilities, and anything in-between.

During his life, MC Escher created nearly 450 woodcuts, lithographs, and engravings, and over 2000 sketches and drawings. His work has interested and inspired countless people ranging from the naive elementary student to the worldly wise film director. Few have never seen his work, and many who claim they haven't simply don't realize that they have. At the time of his death, the 27th of March 1972, MC Escher was established firmly in the hearts of many as the father of modern art. I can't say that I disagree.

Yours Purringly,
W.C. Humphries II (Mr. Fleez for short.)