Where mathematics becomes visual poetry
Wingston Sharon Wilson | Creative Coding & Technology
From algorithms as tools → algorithms as instruments of aesthetic exploration
Code as creative canvas: loops, noise, recursion as artistic materials
Eight sessions from fundamentals to sophisticated generative systems
Your own algorithmic aesthetic and portfolio of generative works
"Code has been colonized by efficiency, optimization, and utility. What if we reclaimed it for pure aesthetic exploration?"
⚡ Efficiency over expression: Code judged only by performance
📊 Utility over beauty: Algorithms serving only practical ends
🎯 Solutions over questions: Missing the poetic potential of computation
🚫 "I'm not technical": Code gatekept from creative practitioners
Artist writes rules; computer generates endless variations
Balancing intention with surprise through probability
Complex patterns arising from simple rules
Computation as creative medium, not just tool, but artistic partner
1960s plotter drawings. First algorithmic artist, exploring systematic chance
Co-creator of Processing, exploring emergent software structures
Algorithmic geometry since 1969: hypercubes & n-dimensional art
"The computer is not a tool, it is a medium." (Casey Reas)
Designed to make coding accessible for visual artists
Repetition creates pattern, structure, visual rhythm
for (let i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
circle(i * 50, 200, 40);
}
Controlled chaos: probability as creative decision
let x = random(0, width); let y = random(0, height);
Natural-feeling variation, smoother than random
let n = noise(x * 0.01); let y = n * height;
Functions calling themselves: fractals and trees
function branch(len) {
if (len > 4) {
branch(len * 0.7);
}
}
sin, cos, tan: mathematics as visual generator
let x = cos(angle) * radius; let y = sin(angle) * radius;
Translate, rotate, scale: coordinate magic
translate(x, y); rotate(angle); scale(2.0);
Express an idea algorithmically
Execute and observe output
What surprised you? What's beautiful?
Tweak parameters, refine rules
Iterative creative feedback loop
"We don't always know what we're making until we see it run."
Loops, randomness, noise, color theory, basic patterns
Physics, particles, flocking, emergence, autonomous agents
Cellular automata, L-systems, fractals, generative typography
Interactivity, user input, portfolio preparation, export techniques
Progressive curriculum. Each session builds on previous concepts
Leave with a complete portfolio of generative artworks and the skills to keep creating
You make art with traditional media but wonder what computational tools could unlock
You code for work; now you want to code for pure aesthetic joy
Expand your practice with algorithmic design, procedural assets, dynamic branding
Fascinated by the intersection of mathematics, algorithms, and visual beauty
"No prior programming experience required, just curiosity and willingness to experiment."
Fluency in p5.js: turn ideas into running code that generates beauty
Noise, randomness, recursion, emergence: your algorithmic toolkit
Discover your unique computational style through experimentation
Context from 1960s pioneers to contemporary generative artists
Real-time, responsive works that live on the web
High-res prints, web galleries, video documentation, installations
Session-by-session breakdown, upcoming dates, sliding scale pricing, access details
Choose your rate, secure your spot, and start your algorithmic art practice
Questions? We're here to help you discern if generative coding is right for you.
"This is computation reclaimed for beauty, algorithms in service of aesthetic exploration, code as medium for visual poetry."
Algorithms as Code
Generative Art & Creative Coding
Wingston Sharon Wilson | Creative Coding & Technology
[email protected]