[eu-gene] Re: Generative or not?

[thompsotd at mac.com]

Agreed--for a composer there are many good uses for randomness not  
related to shifting the locus of control.  An example is automation  
of a parameter over time, where that parameter can afford  
randomization without interfering with other layers.  I usually  
randomize fine tuning of a parameter, and in a constricted range.  I  
also usually change the range of output values over time as needed.

I also agree with the questions that Simon brings up.  It is almost  
irresistible for a composer or artist who uses a computer as an  
integral part of his art to employ randomization.  It is one of those  
things that a computer does pretty well, and it can be quite useful.   
Another similar issue is with the ability of the computer to input,  
translate, and output data to/from various sources/destinations.  It  
is so tempting to get really complex data mapping schemes going on in  
live performance environments to the point that the piece seems more  
about the inventive use of technology than a work of art.

I assume that, for me, artistic refinement in these areas will come  
like everything else--with trial and error, and with artistic  
maturation.

Tim

On May 10, 2006, at 8:26 AM, Michael Gogins wrote:

> I sometimes use randomness. In no case do I use it to problematise  
> authorship. I am the author. I use it because it delivers certain  
> effects that I intend. I'm a composer, and randomly generated  
> sequences just sound different. I make tape music, so I generate  
> sequences, throw most away, and keep one which becomes the finished  
> sequence.
>
> Regards,
> Mike
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Simon Biggs"  
> <simon at littlepig.org.uk>
> To: <eu-gene at generative.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:57 AM
> Subject: Re: [eu-gene] Re: Generative or not?
>
>
>> I also agree.
>>
>> The question as to why artists might wish to use random processes  
>> is the
>> key. I would argue that the main reason for employing such  
>> techniques is not
>> because of any potential value that might be found in any  
>> particular set of
>> numerical relationships, nor in any formal outcomes of the  
>> process, but
>> rather in how such an approach allows one to at least partially  
>> defer and
>> thus problematise authorship. Random processes, along with other  
>> similar
>> techniques based on arbitrary systems, allow you to shift where  
>> the apparent
>> origin of a work might be found and thus cause the receiver of the  
>> work to
>> also question their own relationship as interpreter and partial  
>> author.
>>
>> Best
>>
>> Simon
>>
>>
>> On 10.05.06 12:02, "aslemeur" <aslemeur at free.fr> wrote:
>>
>>> I agree
>>>
>>> why and when do we chose to use random ?
>>> to create variety, to avoid to chose ? (to fill a space-time ?)
>>> but this random exists inside some preset 'personnal/subjective'  
>>> rules
>>> This is in these personnal/subjective rules that I am interested  
>>> (with
>>> computer or any other creation technics)
>>> and how they show something about our own dreams/subconscious
>>>
>>> random without strong choses/rules doesn't mean anything
>>> most of the times 'random art' is boring to me because it doesn't  
>>> express
>>> anything about human
>>> it is more technical than sensitive
>>> most of the time anyone could do the same (having the same level of
>>> technical knowledge)
>>> for example :
>>> http://imagesavant.com/
>>> fascinating but not art ?
>>>
>>> what are we dreaming of  ?
>>
>>
>> Simon Biggs
>>
>> simon at littlepig.org.uk
>> http://www.littlepig.org.uk/
>>
>> Professor of Digital Art, Sheffield Hallam University
>>
>> s.biggs at shu.ac.uk
>> http://www.shu.ac.uk/schools/cs/cri/adrc/research2/
>>
>>
>>
>> -- 
>> 'randomnumber = lastrandomnumber * 6364136223846793005 + 1'
>> To unsubscribe from eu-gene visit
>> http://www.generative.net/mailman/listinfo/eu-gene
>
>
> -- 
> 'randomnumber = lastrandomnumber * 6364136223846793005 + 1'
> To unsubscribe from eu-gene visit
> http://www.generative.net/mailman/listinfo/eu-gene