Monday, December 19, 2011

Magic, Memory, and the Angels of Information

An interesting essay by Eric Davis exploring the connections between magic and the computer interface-- magical space as cyberspace.
The point of all this, I think, is that magic was once associated with information processing machines, and that our goal with them is to engage an audience with that magic. The idea of being able to build a world with a special formal language is ancient and fascinating.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Generative art links



Philip Galanter has a great list of resources if you want to explore contemporary generative art.

The above image is by Jared Tarbell, who I just learned is one of the cofounders of Etsy! One of the reasons I like his work is the organic quality and colors he uses.  I experimented with dyeing yarn when I was nine or ten years old, and some of his art reminds me of that.

Machinamenta has been published!

The book is available now on Amazon, or on CreateSpace.  I earn more profit if you use the CreateSpace link, but it's more convenient for most people to order through Amazon (if Amazon already has your address and credit card, or if you have the free shipping deal.)