The belief would be that these structures are already there, they are simply waiting to be discovered.
ARTIST BIO
Daedalus is a multi-medium artist, based in East London, who operates under two aliases: ‘Daedalus, The Innovator’ and ‘Daedalus, The Storyteller’. They first began exploring the medium of generative art using p5.js (circa 2023) and later paired this with a pen plotting machine.
More recently, they predominantly use Python and are also learning how to use Touch Designer. As a visually orientated person with a background in Mathematics, Daedalus has developed a desire to visualize interesting mathematical structures. To them, it feels akin to exploring rich and complex abstract worlds; they view generative art more as exploration than creation.
- Web: www.thedaedalusproject.co.uk
- Instagram: @daedalustheinnovator
- Tiktok: @daedalustheinnovator
What Is one belief, insight, or idea that guides your creative process?
I would think what it might look like to trace 2D functions etc. I then get stuck on that idea and play endlessly with code to try all sorts of variations; this is why it feels like exploration to me, not necessarily creation. The belief would be that these structures are already there, they are simply waiting to be discovered.
Can you tell us how you discovered Mixed art and what drew you into it?
I first discovered generative art through The Coding Train community. What drew me to it initially was it was like solving puzzles: I saw plots or generative art and I would rack my brain trying to figure out how it was made. This has slowly morphed into exploration as apposed to puzzle solving.
What do you think defines your style or creative approach, and how did you arrive at that identity?
I work in many mediums and I actively encourage people to explore different mediums to help inform them as to what they like. I believe this cross-pollination of various mediums help create interesting projects.
For plots, structure is everything for me; unusual, unseen structures are what I chase.
How does a project usually begin for you? Do you have a creative ritual or structure you follow?
It usually begins with an idea. Once I’ve spent some time seeing if the idea is viable in the way that I’d have hoped, it’s usually an obsessive sprint to refine it to the best of my ability. My ideas (when we’re talking about pen plots) start out as rough sketches as to how the logic would work.
What tools or technologies do you use most, and how do they influence your visual language?
For my pen plotter work: I mainly use python (with various libraries, including svgwrite), the Axidraw / Bantam Tools V3/A3 Pen Plotter. I think thinking about plots in terms of a canvas and layering on elements / assets (lines, squares etc.) probably impacts how you approach visual design.
Do you feel there Is a strong generative art scene? What would you like to see evolve in it
I definitely think there is a strong scene, but I would like to see more in-person events to share work and/or knowledge.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start creating generative art but doesn’t know where to begin?
Just start! One thing I’ve learnt along the way, when it comes to creativity is, no one knows what they’re doing and everyone is experimenting and learning along the way. I would start by following some tutorials on things that interest you and once you feel comfortable, start to play around.
Which artists or creators do you think are doing remarkable work and deserve much more recognition?
@lostpixels creates some of the most remarkable pen plots I’ve ever seen. They’ve cultivated an incredibly unique and versatile style; every time I see a lostpixels piece, I’m often left scratching my head wondering how it was created.
Another artist I’d like to mention is @barnplotter. His ability to approach his creativity in a true multi-disciplinary way, and to execute it to such a high quality is inspiring! His lighting installations look incredible and I am always super excited to see what he comes up with next!
