My name is David Bachman, and this is my blog! I am a Mathematician who enjoys art, design, and all things related. My main webpage is at davidbachmandesign.com, where you can learn more about me and see some of my polished artistic work. This blog is where I record my explorations.
Professionally, I am a Professor of Mathematics at Pitzer college, in Claremont, CA. My academic research area is “Low-Dimensional Topology” (think “rubber Geometry”), and in particular, 3-Dimensional spaces, but these days I’m mostly teaching Computer Science and Data Science.
In addition to making things on a computer and using a variety of digital fabrication tools, I enjoy working with my hands (and power tools!). My wife and I remodel houses. I’ve laid lots of tile, from hand-made mosaics to large porcelain. I also do a lot of carpentry (both finished furniture work and rough framing), electrical work, and a bit of plumbing when I have to.
In my spare time I have enjoyed a lot of varied activities. For many years I studied martial arts — I have black belts in Karate (open hand combat) and Kobudo (traditional weaponry). I play the drums, although it’s been a while since I’ve had time to be in a band. In my younger days I was a “roadie,” and set up for acts including The Rolling Stones, U2, The Grateful Dead, Metallica, and Aerosmith.