Maurits Cornelis Escher was born in 1898, in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. His father (a hydrogolic engineer) wanted his son to become an architect. However he was drawn to printmaking.

His career as an artist started in Italy where the landscapes inspired him.

Returning to The Netherlands at age 37 he missed the landscapes of Italy and turned more to ‘landscapes of the mind.’

Over time the ‘landscapes’ began to challenge the laws of reality.

Meanwhile his mind was drawn to the repeating patterns he had seen in Italy. He gave them his own unique twist. Here are a few of his tessellations.

Beginning in the 1950’s he began working on transformations.

This was a tremendously interesting view at a very unique mind.

While we were there we saw (but it was too close to closing to do it ourselves) a participatory exhibit on perspective.

So that’s the Escher. Now back to our story.