In this course, we will explore common creative coding techniques for analysing and creating generative, procedural art using the free 3D software, Blender. We’ll work with pen and paper exercises, interpret and recreate visually relevant artworks, and sketch new ideas. You don’t need to be an expert in coding or Blender—beginners are welcome and encouraged to join! However, if you’ve never used Blender before, we recommend trying out a few basic tutorials or exploring the software on your own to get comfortable with the interface before the course begins. This will help you dive right into the creative process with ease.
What is Blender?
- Blender is a free, open-source 3D software created in 1998. It's widely used in industries like animation, game design, and visual effects. Blender allows users to model, animate, and render 3D objects and includes tools for illustrators and animators. Designers can use it to create characters and environments, while animators bring creations to life. Blender is versatile and perfect for exploring digital art, animation, and visual effects. For this course, we’ll use Blender because it's an ideal environment for coding while also rendering high-quality images and animations
What is Generative art?
- Generative art is a collaborative process between human creativity and machines, where algorithms and systems play a key role in the creation. It's a space where art is not only created but discovered through exploration, experimentation, and iteration.
- In this course, we'll look beyond the well-known narratives of pioneers and delve into how generative systems can be used to tell more personal, unique stories—stories shaped by individual research, perspective, and experimentation. In this course we'll engage in a dialog with the computer through a visual programming language. We are going to grow vocabulary, grammar and useful concepts to both talk and listen to the machine. This approach to generative art encourages deep reflections on the process and analytical mindset as well as understanding historical timelines and developing critical thinking.
Who is this course for?
- This course is for anyone interested in creating generative art through coding and exploring Blender as part of their design toolkit.
- You may already be familiar with Blender’s potential but haven’t yet had the chance to dive deep into it. If you're curious about generative, parametric, or computational art, this course is your opportunity to explore it further.
This course is taught in English.
What to bring:
- Laptop with Blender 4.2 (or later) installed (remember to bring your laptop charger).
- A computer mouse is highly recommended (and mouse pad if you have one).
- Paper, pencils, and any other drawing tools you prefer. Basic materials will be available on-site.
Learning outcomes:
- Historical context of generative and procedural art.
- Ability to analyse generative artwork.
- Designing generative systems.
- Basic understanding of geometry and shader nodes in Blender.
"Fika" and fruits, snacks will be provided. Bring what you need to stay focused.
Creative Coders” are artists, designers, architects, musicians, and poets who use computer programming and custom software as their chosen media. These practitioners blur the distinction between art and design and science and engineering, and in their slippery interdisciplinarity, may best be described with the German word Gestalten, or “creators of form”.
Golan Levin, Tega Brain: Code as Creative Medium. A Handbook for Computational Art and Design
Teacher: Murilo Carretta Polese
Murilo is a creative technologist, consultant, researcher, and full-stack developer with expertise in interactive media art for installations and advertising. Specialising in building robust systems, databases, embedded software, and infrastructure, Murilo is passionate about education and technology. They have worked with companies like Strawbees, Quirkbot, Kano, Joy Labz, and Arduino, and are an ambassador for Kids Hack Day and Science Hack Day. Murilo has taught at the School for Poetic Computation, Konstfack, Berghs, Hyper Island, and Vefskoli.
Course curriculum:
- Monday 5/5, 19-20 Virtual meet-and-greet, course introduction, and Q&A. We’ll also ensure everyone has Blender installed and introduce some optional tutorials for those eager to get started.
- Friday 9/5, 17-20 Pen and paper exercises, a Blender refresher, and a special exercise.
- Saturday 10/5, 12-18 Exploration of common generative and procedural techniques for creating graphics. You’ll have time to dive into your own project.
- Sunday 11/5, 12-15 Assignment presentations and, if time allows, a demo on how digital designs can become physical objects using devices like the Axidraw Pen Plotter.
