I have been involved (some say obsessed) for many years with writing programs to automatically generate artwork. Early professional exposure to "Monte Carlo Simulations" lead me to apply similar techniques to produce generative artwork.

As the programmer I only specify the ideas and parameter-ranges for graphic elements and procedures which then generate the visual output using random numbers for decision making. Each run of the program is a new interpretation that is as different and sometimes surprising for myself as for any other viewer.

All elements are made with very simple algorithms often utilizing recursion to produce complexity out of very small procedures. The random interaction of the elements on the screen do the rest. In the "lines" program I try to construct the elements with "wiggly" lines. These lines have less of a computerized look than arcs or "Bezier" lines. Utilizing bundles of those lines allow me to build organic looking structures.

After watching early versions of the programs for a long time, I adjust certain parameters (like element frequency) to complete the programs. Generally I found that I have to allow a good part of visual anarchy on the screen in order to get interesting scenes, at least occasionally. Just like in real life.

- Kurt Baumann


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