Author: mgersing@andrew.cmu.edu

Margot Gersing-Looking Outwards-02

The generative artist I was inspired by was Austrian artist LIA. I was most interested in her Mechanical Plotter Drawings. What I really like about this project is that she incorporates code, mechanical machinery and traditional mediums (mark makers) to create these generative pieces. I am really inspired by the intersection of mediums and platforms LIA utilizes to make really unique art.

No. 005- Indian ink on Hahnemühle paper 30cm x 30cm, printed area: ~18cm x ~18cm
No. 042 – Indian ink on Hahnemühle paper, 30cm x 30cm, printed area: ~20cm x ~20cm
No. 041- Indian ink on Hahnemühle paper, 30cm x 30cm, printed area: ~20cm x ~20cm

The project’s simple code is written in processing. Each piece uses the same code and then she changes the variable x each time just a bit to create the variation. She then uses the axiDraw plotter to manifest the code. To make the pieces even more variable she draws with different tools. Some use paint brushes and india ink and others use various pens and markers to which all have varying line weights and textures.

Video of the code running and a piece being made.

LIA’s website

Margot Gersing – Looking Outwards – 01

Project- LoFi Poster Machine by Tim Rodenbröker

Rodenbröker’s website

I was inspired by German artist/coder Tim Rodenbröker. The project that I was most interested in was a generative album cover interface and app. The app was commissioned by German record label Tonboutique Records. The idea behind the app is that the record label can produce infinite designs for their artist’s without starting from scratch every time. It also keeps all of the covers within the same visual style and brand. One of the reasons why I find this project so cool is that Rodenbröker not only makes generative art, but he also created an intuitive and simple interface that allows anyone to use it. 

LoFi Poster Machine interface

On his website, Rodenbröker speaks to the fact that in theory anyone could make art using his tool with an ensured successful and beautiful output. I am a design major and I really like the idea that this graphic design project puts the power to create into the hands of anyone, you don’t necessarily have to be an artist or designer to create something beautiful. 

Time lapse video of the image generator interface

Rodenbröker is really interested in exploring the relatively new world of creative coding. His process involves a lot of intense research and experimentation. He uses open source technologies like Processing and p5.js. Rodenbröker wants to share his work and make it readily available to people who want to learn. He has begun teaching and has resources and tutorials on his website. I really admire those who are trying to make art, design, and in this case computer science, accessible to the masses. In the future it will be interesting to see how computer generated art, like Rodenbröker’s work, will begin to change how art and artists are viewed. 


Margot Gersing – Project – 01

This project was a really good way for me to get more comfortable in p5js. I enjoyed the challenge of creating a simple face made from a limited selection of graphic elements. I also enjoyed using playful colors. Lastly, I decided to include a simple mouse interaction that we learned in class on Friday to add another level of interest and introduce more colors.

margot-project01



function setup() {
    createCanvas(700,700);
    // background(255,200,0);
}

function draw() {

	// background
	noStroke();
	fill('#f4cf92');
    if(mouseIsPressed){
    	fill('#6f968e');
    }else {
    	fill('#f4cf92');
    }
	rect(0,0,700,700);

	// face
	noStroke();
	fill('#d5541a');
	if(mouseIsPressed){
    	fill('#e2babf');
    }else {
    	fill('#d5541a');
    }
    ellipse(350,350,650,650);

    // left eye
    noFill();
	stroke('#e2babf');
	if(mouseIsPressed){
    	stroke('#d5541a');
    }else {
    	stroke('#e2babf');
    }
	strokeWeight(6);
    arc(200, 250, 110, 70, PI, TWO_PI);
    fill('#e2babf');
    if(mouseIsPressed){
    	fill('#d5541a');
    }else {
    	fill('#e2babf');
    }
    ellipse(200,240,50,50);

    // left eyelashes
    strokeWeight(4);
    line(150,260,135,270);
    line(160,270,150,280);
    line(170,275,165,285);

    // right eye
    noFill();
	stroke('#e2babf');
	if(mouseIsPressed){
    	stroke('#d5541a');
    }else {
    	stroke('#e2babf');
    }
	strokeWeight(6);
    arc(500, 250, 110, 70, PI, TWO_PI);
    fill('#e2babf');
    if(mouseIsPressed){
    	fill('#d5541a');
    }else {
    	fill('#e2babf');
    }
    ellipse(500,240,50,50);

    // left eyelashes
    strokeWeight(4);
    line(550,260,565,270);
    line(540,270,550,280);
    line(530,275,535,285);

    // eyebrows
    strokeWeight(8);
    line(130,150,300,150);
    line(400,150,570,150);

    // nose
    line(300,150,300,400);
    noFill();
    arc(350,400, 100, 100, QUARTER_PI, PI);

    // mouth
    strokeWeight(10);
    line(270,560,370,560);
    arc(345,560,150,70,PI,TWO_PI);    
}