I don't really think that fractals are prevalent in nature or art. Instead, it is that both can frequently be described quite succintly in fractal terms. Fractals are derived from mathematics and mathematics is often a very efficent language by which to define things. Fractal methods are also a very effective means by which to store repetitive data and, if nothing else, nature can be quite efficient at times. Just consider the data storage and manipulation potential of genetic coding. Therfore it is not surprising that the complex pattern of a seashell's colours and markings can be so readily emulated by a simple fractal equation. The defining characteristic of fractals is not irregularity but self similarity or repetition- quite the opposite. As you dive into a fractal pattern the view can change enormously. But as you continue to dive deeper you will discover that earlier patterns reappear. Dive again and the pattern disappears only to be resurrected at further depths. As for art, the human psyche appears to have a particular penchance for order and repetition. Quite naturally things that exhibit such characteristics will be attractive to many of us. If one defines art as that which is pleasing to the eye then the effects of fractal domains as exhibited in fractal imagery will naturally be considered artistic. However, if one considers art to be a reflection of the human condition then fractal imagery probably will not be considered artistic. I don't really want to go in that direction as the universe offers no natural laws as to what constitutes art. It is a matter of human perception and need and thus the question of what constitutes art has many answers. While we can find fractals in art, as in many things, I do not believe it is otherwise prevalent in art. While one can point to the many personal fractal art galleries on the web I suspect this is more because it is relatively easy to create pleasing imagery with fractal methods. Before anyone jumps on me let me say that fractal "art" can be very good indeed. It is not simply a mechanical method of letting a program run and those who have mastered this craft tend to consistently produce superior imagery- at least to my eyes. But having said that I personally find the majority of fractal images to be boringly repetitive. Of course, the bulk of this is personal opinion. However, I have experimented with fractals in the past and these are my conclusions. I still have an old and neglected fractal gallery at http://www.fractalus.com/jack/ so you can decide for yourselves whether I am full of crap or not. - Jack