Why Are We Fascinated by Spirals?

Spirals are everywhere. We find them in shells, unfurling plants, whirlpools, and the vast forms of galaxies. Humans have been reproducing them in art, ornament, and symbolic traditions for thousands of years. There is something about this simple form that continues to attract our attention.

But we don't have to travel into nature or explore ancient symbols to experience a spiral. We can draw one ourselves.

What happens when we pay attention to the movement of our hand as the line turns inward or outward?

Try a small experiment.

Draw an outward spiral.

Start near the centre of your page and slowly draw a spiral that grows larger with each turn. Continue for a minute or two, keeping the movement comfortable rather than trying to make a perfect shape.

Pause. What did you notice? Did the movement feel expansive, open, or flowing? Or was your experience quite different?

Examples of drawing an outward expanding spiral (left) and inward contracting spiral (right)

Now draw an inward spiral.

Begin near the outer edge of the page and gradually work toward the centre. Take your time, following the curve as it becomes smaller.

Pause again. Did this movement feel more concentrated or contained? How did it compare with drawing outward?

There is no right answer. You may notice a difference, or the two exercises may feel much the same. The point is not to produce a particular psychological effect, but to pay attention to your own experience.

Drawing brings together movement, vision, and the developing form on the page. We don't just observe a geometric pattern; we construct it, experiencing its shape through the movement of the hand.

This is part of what interests me about geometric drawing. In my upcoming Neuro Geometry II course in November, we'll explore three forms inspired by natural patterns: the Rose of Venus, the Yin-Yang and lunar cycle, and a spiral inspired by natural growth.

👉If you're interested, subscribe to my email list below to be the first to hear when enrollment opens.