{"id":1066,"date":"2024-09-16T12:05:20","date_gmt":"2024-09-16T12:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/?p=1066"},"modified":"2024-11-02T13:05:12","modified_gmt":"2024-11-02T13:05:12","slug":"roots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/roots\/","title":{"rendered":"ROOTS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mint on Artblocks Studio<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the algorithm here!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy a demo of the algorithm on Roots Unstoppable<\/a>. Full screen and chill music recomended.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sometimes, you must journey along an intricate path to uncover your authentic heritage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Roots\u2019 is raw, crude, unrefined, rough, fresh. Fat pixels, naked textures, rude compositions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Roots’ introduces a straightforward algorithm, enabling the application of fundamental principles in design and visual language, establishing the foundation for the procedural generation of visual works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aesthetics aim to evoke in the viewer a sense of gazing upon something old, classical, and ancient. Something that subtly connects with the very origins of art itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple yet unexpectedly, the diversity within ‘Roots’ has been meticulously designed to encompass a wide spectrum of compositional variations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motivation and background<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The need to create this collection arises after traversing a path in search of a way to generate highly realistic figurative art using only code and algorithms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After several projects like Stations, Metropixeland, and especially UMK, where the generated pieces aimed to provide visual support to a narrative or story, this journey reached a turning point after building the UBK collection using generative AI techniques. At that moment, the need to twist my algorithms to achieve realistic images lost all meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This revived in me the need to build something that reflects the purity of abstract generative art: visual language, diversity, coherence, and surprise, but clearly showing the existence of an algorithm as the generator of the artwork itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figurative, pseudo-realistic works:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stations #671 (Artblocks, 2022)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Metropixeland #238 (Artblocks, 2022)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UMK #206 (Artblocks, 2023)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UBK #354<\/strong> (Braindrops, 2023)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Abstract collections<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In previous projects like ‘Overcrowded’ or the Defrag Trilogy (fxhash), I played with abstraction and raw visual language to convey a feeling to the viewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overcrowded #41 (fxhash, 2022)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Neonphobia #11 (fxhash, 2022)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sweet Dreams #16 (fxhash, 2023)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Renaissance #5 (Hodlers, 2023)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Collection scope<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With this project, I’m aiming for something abstract, possibly minimalistic, and with a classic touch, expanding my previous abstract works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roots is a collection that lives between minimalism and intricate outputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A dance between rigidity and flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rough, raw, crude, dirty. With ancient art vibes and classic abstract compositions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sometimes surprising and unexpected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pieces that you can easily recognize from the distance and get lost into details on a closer view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoom in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Art pieces that evoke a sense of d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu or leave you pondering “What’s unfolding here?” – the intriguing blend of familiarity and surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Personal thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I approach \u2018Roots\u2019 by delving into the richness of diversity within a fundamental algorithm through the lens of classic abstraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This time, I don’t delve into a sci-fi tale, a particular narrative, or an attempt to imitate any specific painting style. Instead, it’s a pure display of computer graphics designed to immerse the viewer in an experience that feels genuinely authentic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The concept of ‘roots’ stems from the quest for my vision of the essence of generative art. When we extend this concept to the art itself, it evokes a sense of classicism, antiquity, and abstraction. Every aesthetic decision, from palettes to textures and compositions, has been meticulously tailored to reinforce this very concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dev Log – Creative process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Base algorithm.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fundamental concept behind the algorithm, shaping the structure and composition of the piece, involved crafting a maze or map based on a grid that could be filled in different manners to cover the entire space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The can of worms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Can you recall the classic snake game? Picture releasing multiple snakes onto a grid and allowing them to move until they’re all trapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Adjusting certain parameters of the worms can result in the emergence of various shapes and compositions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What if a few of the worms evaded the grid, forming a structure around the central piece?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This part was straightforward. An initial algorithm for constructing the fundamental composition was established at this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constructing and molding worms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The following stage proved to be more challenging. It involved computing and storing the contour of each line as a sorted vertex array. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach allows for greater control over the form of each worm, such as drawing with varying thicknesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Debug view:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Then it calculates the needed points to draw a squared shape that covers the worm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And last, more points are added interpolating each pair of vertices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Including these additional points will prove beneficial for future rendering possibilities, such as introducing noise for a more organic drawing style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Or creating smoother corners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Or some another rendering techniques<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Or even building a basic custom physics engine that allows rotations, gravity and collisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some of these features didn’t make it into the final work, yet they represent the kind of elements that ‘worth a try’ when exploring the algorithm’s possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coloring the worms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To determine the coloring method, a collection of predefined palettes has been established. Every worm selects a random color from the designated palette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some samples from the initial palette exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Adding noise<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The primary method for texturing involves adding ‘pixel sprays’ at every point of the shapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This creates a coherent noisy look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The wavy tentacles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the composition choices involved introducing a secondary element to contrast with the rigid structure of the worms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This element is organic, undulating, and moves freely across the canvas, in contrast to the confined worms bound within a grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In short, the tentacles are constructed utilizing a particle system that randomly and smoothly alters direction and thickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploration stage outputs.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Now, with a sufficient number of elements to provide an overview of the algorithm’s potential, an exploration of diversity was conducted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Aligning with the concept<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2018\u2018Roots\u2019 embodies the essence of primal, raw, and unrefined. Its aim is to evoke a sense of observing something timeless, primitive, and pure, resonating with the very origins of art itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Up to this point, following the stage of exploration and development, the outcome doesn’t align with the intended concept. Although showing promise, it’s somewhat distant from what I envisioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoom in!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is the moment when the overall feeling of the outputs change drastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s render only the central part but three times bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This alteration has transformed the generated output to speak a different language, more attuned to the desired concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At this stage, a substantial overhaul of the texturing method was undertaken. It’s not just a matter of ‘zooming in’. A different rendering method is required to avoid blurry outputs and allow adding more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pointillism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The dominant texturing is formed by thousands of points. Every point within each shape emits a ‘spray’ of particles, generating a cohesive yet intricate pattern through noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spray<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Fingerprint <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Pixelism<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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The overlap of shapes combines these textures, resulting in a captivating appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More textures<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Various layers of subtle textures with distinct color blending modes are used to enhance the rugged and raw aesthetic of the artwork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stains<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Grid<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Lines<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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All Together<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Palettes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Coloring is determined by a range of palettes. The algorithm selects one for each output and then shuffles it, introducing greater diversity into the overall collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspiration: Ancient art.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palettes are intended to embody the essence of raw, rugged, or even ancient aesthetics. Inspiration is drawn from a study of various ancient art pieces, emphasizing low saturation, earthy and natural tones, and a weathered appearance. These elements greatly influence the creation of the final palettes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Six palettes has been designed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Origin<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Foundation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Beginning<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Genesis<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Seed<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Loading screen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The algorithm requires time to render the entire scene, and I aim to avoid presenting a blank canvas for 10-15 seconds, which might give the impression of a faulty script.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developed a progress indicator that informs you about the rendering progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shrinking the scope<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mosaic view.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The goal was to discover the optimal balance where the mosaic formed by the complete collection appears as a unified yet diverse comprehensive image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A journey of continual adjustments, expanding and narrowing the range of outputs produced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mosaic view. Test outputs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you have read this far, thank you very much. I hope you have enjoyed this extensive document and it has been inspiring or helpful to appreciate the beauty of generative art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fernando Jerez<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Roots is raw, crude, unrefined. Fat pixels, naked textures, rude compositions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1337,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[26,22,14,9,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1066","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-artblocks-studio","category-ethereum","category-featured","category-generative-art","category-mint-open"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mmt_10270.jpg",1350,1350,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mmt_10270-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mmt_10270-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mmt_10270-768x768.jpg",768,768,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mmt_10270-1024x1024.jpg",1024,1024,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mmt_10270.jpg",1350,1350,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/mmt_10270.jpg",1350,1350,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Fernando Jerez","author_link":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/author\/ferjerez\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Roots is raw, crude, unrefined. Fat pixels, naked textures, rude compositions.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1066","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1066"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1066\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1296,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1066\/revisions\/1296"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1066"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1066"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fernandojerez.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1066"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}