Fractals

As a self-described sixteenth-century monk living in the body of a twenty-first century woman, it seems kind of strange to suddenly find myself all bound up in the world of computer technology. As a first-year college student, it turns out that my educational path has veered off into the field of Information Technology, which is all about digital media and the Internet. But I really am enthralled by all of the possibilities, not only for education and careers, but for creativity as well.

Now this is really strange - the woman whose most successful artistic endeavors have been very animated stick figures has suddenly discovered fractal art. Just the thought of doing anything involving higher math gave me the chills, but when I found that there was a free program which contained all of the steps necessary for creating fractal art I had to try it. And, boy! what fun it is!

Now, I know that I am terminally behind-the-times when it comes to technology, as well as fashion, etc. So I don't even know if this is still a legitimate pasttime or if it is simply passe, but it is very intriguing to me. It is still - at my early stage - a surprise to see what will come forth from my mouse clicks. But I am having a lot of fun seeing what I can come up with. I will post a few of the pieces I've done below.

My question is this - how does one judge the quality of the piece? Is it the complexity, or the colors, or what? I hope it has something to do with the way in which viewing it makes you feel, because I get such a kick out of some of the pieces I've come up with that I spontaneously burst out with "Ohhhs!" and "Ahhhs!" and even a few "EEEEKS!" Tell me what you think makes a piece good or otherwise, so that I have some criteria by which to judge.

Enjoy!