Infinity Series presents one set of serialized variations on the infinity symbol. The traditional infinity symbol can be conceptualized as a strip with a single 360 degree twist in it and then joined together at the “edges.” In the final shape, these conceptual “edges” disappear, hence the infinite quality of the loop. While experimenting with creating paper infinity loops, I noticed that adding rotations does not affect the shape in a determinate or regular way. Producing two-dimensional shapes from these loops involves creative decision-making. Meanwhile, because the resulting two-dimensional figures at some points inevitably rotate 180 degrees in one direction and then back again in the opposite direction, reading the net number of rotations in the representations of the loops requires careful attention.

Thus, these figures strike a balance between more abstract and more literal number systems. Each symbol in Infinity Series could take an infinite number of forms—but not any and all forms: the range of possible forms for these infinity figures is constrained by the number of 180 degree rotations in the loop. In this sense, the figures are literal representations of the numbers which they represent according to the number of 180 degree rotations. On the other hand, because the number of rotations can be difficult to discern, the “Infinity Numbers” pose an etymological mystery, similar to the opaque Brahmi numerals which underlie the popular Arabic numeral system. In short, Infinity Series presents a certain set (0-9) of an infinite series (0-∞) of serially constrained but infinitely pluriform infinity loops.

Beyond shape, the figures also play on the paradox of the apparent loop in the spectrum of perceivable color. Color wheels appear to loop, at the breakpoints of perception. The “edges” of infrared and ultraviolet wind through an invisible meeting place which we represent with magenta. Like the numbers of Infinity Series, magenta is both determined by and opaque to the infinities (in multiple dimensions) which it, therefore, somewhat is and somewhat represents. Infinity series alludes to this mind-blasting absurdity by rotating through the color wheel at roughly 40 degree intervals. The foreground and background colors are offset by roughly 150 degrees on the color wheel. Interestingly, it is only the difference in their relative positions within this infinite loop which render them distinguishable.

These considerations of Infinity Series' treatment of numbers, forms, and colors apply to a variety of conceptual realms—social, spiritual, comsological, etc. Likewise, the art-making process also gave rise to some interesting hermeneutical reflections. To change the form of one infinity loop into another, the loop has to be broken and rejoined—the etymological meaning of the word "religion". It is part of the paradoxical nature of time that newness flows infinitely and instantaneously from oldness. Perhaps it reflects a redemptory truth encoded into reality and perception: “The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17b)