About Me

Hello, I'm Matthew James, the creative mind and engineering enthusiast behind Virtually Passed (https://www.youtube.com/@virtually_passed). I'm based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, where I currently work as a lecturer at the University of Eindhoven. My journey has taken me from Australia to the Netherlands, with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from UNSW in Sydney and a Master's degree in Precision and Microsystems Engineering from TU Delft.

From Engineering to Art

My venture into string art began during the COVID-19 pandemic. With extra time on my hands and a love for solving complex problems, I came across a video on Instagram showcasing string art. This sparked an idea that combined my engineering background with a new creative outlet. Although I don't consider myself a traditional artist, I find that engineering is a highly creative process.

The Intersection of Art and Algorithm

Using a single thread of string wrapped around nails to recreate intricate images, I developed an algorithm in MATLAB to streamline this process. The algorithm's output is converted into g-code, which directs my machine—a device equipped with two stepper motors and an ESP32 microcontroller—to produce the final artwork. This method brings together precision engineering and artistic expression in a unique way.

Virtually Passed: Educating Through Art

Virtually Passed initially aimed to educate people about mathematics and physics, reflecting my long-standing passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. While the focus has shifted towards string art, the underlying goal remains the same: to inspire and educate. Each piece of art I create is a testament to the beauty of mathematics and engineering. I've uploaded the code I use to create this string art via my github page: https://github.com/virtuallypassedsmartsparrow/StringArt/tree/main