the pencigon

Hi again again. Here is my blog post about week 1 lecture and readings (because I joined the class late):

We all have memories tied to a number 2 pencil. The rush of getting it perfectly sharp to the sudden heart break of it snapping after writing one word. There is nothing like bubbling in the perfect circle on a scan tron. Anyway, the lecture on pencils was interesting to watch and the highlight of hexagons caught all of our attentions. The segment on deforestation was depressing, but I'm glad that topic was included as well. The most fascinating thing regarding the hexagon that I learned was that it is the most efficient shape. In an article from Human Managed the hexagon is labeled as "mathematically and mechanically superior" as it "best fills a plane with equal size units and leaves no wasted space" (Koh, par. 4). If you are not convinced about it's superiority, then why don't you have a look outside. Hexagons occur in many aspects of nature whether it be patterns in the ground, insect eyes, or bee hives. It is truly remarkable and the shape even continues to get utilized for man made products such as in a telescope lens to look at planets such as Saturn (which by the way also has a hexagon on it). And therefore, that is why the pencil looks like a pencil because "by having a hexagonal shape, you could get an extra pencil out of a standard width of slat" (Carnes, par. 90). That extra pencil output has saved more trees than one could imagine all due to a shape choice. Simply said, hexagons are cool. 

hexagon1.jpeg

hexagon2.jpeg

Hexagons in Ireland and proof that there is a hexagon on Saturn

Moving on to graphite! According the assigned reading, something that makes graphite stand out from other materials is its impermanency. It was unique in that, "this impermanency that became an essential creative agency for artists, scientists and writers - used to make and communicate imperceptible ideas about the world while maintaining a latent sense of probability and erasure" (Thomas, 106). While many cultures value materials that will last forever and withstand any sort of environment, graphite stood out from all because it allowed people to express themselves, but also take it back. There have been great discoveries drawn out and recorded using pencils over the past thousands of years. Every teacher tells their students that it is okay to mistakes; and that is what graphite provided for creators across the globe. Go graphite!

graphitestructure.pngHexagonal Carbon Structure in Graphite!

Something interesting to consider is the relationship between graphite and the hexagon. While we have already established that the pencil is hexagonal, we must not forget to point out that the molecular structure of graphite is also hexagonal with "a ring of six carbon atoms closely bonded together hexagonally in widely spaced layers" (University of Waterloo, par. 3). Through and through, the pencil and its materials resemble a hexagon. 

Finally, a word on deforestation. Pencils are one of many products that sadly cause tree deaths, no matter how helpful they can be in our creative expression. In attempts of making the experience of using a pencil to the best it can be, here are some No. 2 pencil alternatives that utilize the graphite just as nicely. Some alternatives include newspaper pencils, Sprout Eco-Friendly Wood Pencils, Fabula Biodegradable Pencil, and Recycled Car/Fridge/CD Case Pencils. Here is also a link that contains a list of more ethical pens and pencils to use!

https://ethical.net/sustainability/sustainable-writing-utensils/

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Environmentally Friendly Newspaper Pencils <3

I also greatly enjoyed the exercise of turning off my electronics and playing with a pencil and paper. Here is what I drew/wrote!

drawing.jpg

Works Cited

Carnes, Jerry. “Why Do Most Pencils Have Six Sides?” 11Alive, 16 Sept. 2020, https://www.11alive.com/article/news/why-do-most-pencils-have-six-sides/85-f2058d47-1c33-4254-86c1-f142772d77a5.

“Graphite.” Earth Sciences Museum, University of Waterloo, https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/resources/detailed-rocks-and-minerals-articles/graphite#:~:text=History%20of%20the%20pencil,an%20excellent%20marker%20of%20sheepskins.

Koh, Peter. “The Significance of the Hexagon.” Human Thoughts, Human Managed, https://www.humanmanaged.com/articles/the-significance-of-the-hexagon#:~:text=Mathematically%2C%20the%20hexagon%20has%206,of%20its%20120%2Ddegree%20angles.

Ryan, Jenn. “10 Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Writing Utensils.” Ethical.net, Ethical.net, 16 Sept. 2019, https://ethical.net/sustainability/sustainable-writing-utensils/.

Thomas, Paul. “The Graphene Moment.” Quantum Art and Uncertainty, Intellect, Bristol, 2018, pp. 106.