Chance-based Systems Project

Today I became aware of the Chance System project. I say "became aware" because the project was most definitely introduced Monday, but apparently the immediacy of it just didn't click in my brain until today. in class. right before crits.

To be honest, I'm pretty nervous about the actual project aspect of the course, mostly because this is my first foray into the "art" aspect of "generative art". Nonetheless, immersion in this project is the best thing for me; let research and brainstorming ensue.

Sources of Randomness

Being more familiar with the programming side of the class, naturally my mind drifted there for interesting sources of perceived randomness and chance. I like the idea of the audience of a piece being its source of input, especially if its indirect and furtive, and that fit in with the "chance" aspect well enough

Needing to get ideas flowing, I threw an idea out after class to Phil about using garbage values from C programs to parameterize some later form of art. I appreciated his frank, direct, genial criticism of the idea.

Critical Questions

1. Who is your audience?
2. How might/should/etc the audience interact with the piece?
3. Is the piece an interactive (i.e dynamic) or static experience.
4. Is the piece better realized through, or without, software?
5. What is the generative system (the part where I give up control over the work)?
6. Do I view the piece from an Art or Design perspective (i.e. process, product, purpose, experience)?
7. Is it important/crucial that the audience know the process, or is that process evident by the work itself?
8. Where and how is the aspect of "chance" introduced?

At first, all of these questions at once felt like my idea was being shot down, but my emotions will soon catch up with my reason and realize that's not the case. These questions form an excellent framework to help me explore a project idea.

Thankfully, Phil is as fond of "calendar time" as I am.