Strange Loop

Building Generative Art Tools with Observable

Generative art systems can be understood as functions that combine (human) inputs with computational randomness to render creative output. While the output is generated using computational randomness, there are myriad human decisions that underlie this process. In this workshop, participants will learn to identify the parameters (number of visual marks, degree of randomness, etc.) that underlie generative art creation, and build interfaces that control these parameters. One of the most time consuming processes in generative art design is traversing the potential design space using available tools. In this workshop, participants will learn how to build interactive art systems to quickly explore possible artistic outputs. Observable, a JavaScript notebook platform, will be used as a way to develop generative art tools. This JavaScript based notebook is well positioned to support generative art projects given its reactive infrastructure and ability to generate Canvas or SVG files. Rather than arduously flip back and forth between a code editor and a web browser, Observable notebooks enable a smooth design process where code and output live side-by-side. Moreover, the tools created can be instantly published and shared so those without programming skills can generate art!

Michael Freeman

Observable

Mike Freeman is a Developer Advocate at Observable working to make visualization more accessible and impactful. Prior to this role, he held a position as an Associate Teaching Professor at the University of Washington Information School, and worked as a Data Visualization Specialist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

Anjana Vakil

Observable

Anjana suffers from a chronic case of curiosity, which led her from philosophy to English teaching to computational linguistics to software development. As a developer advocate at Observable, these days she codes & teaches from her home base in San Francisco; in the before-times, you could find her speaking at events around the world. She loves to share the joy of programming and advocate for a more diverse, equitable, and ethical tech industry. Ask her about the Recurse Center & Outreachy, she’s an alumna of both!