Procedural Drawings
Overview
A procedural drawing is distinct from other kinds of drawings.
It depends on a predefined set of rules. The rules can be improvisational, relational, prescriptive (i.e strictly followed), or take some other form -- but they are to be planned in advance. To fulfill or test these rules, the drawing also depends on each participants’ respect and patience in carrying them out to completion.
In a sense, a procedural drawing begins with a kind of recipe. When the recipe is faithfully followed it generates an outcome that can be evaluated, critiqued, and changed. This critique becomes the basis for altering the recipe -- to satsify an anticipated outcome or to address the drawing technique to a subject matter of concern.
Other References:
https://conditionaldesign.org/
Process
The process is the product.
The most important aspects of a process are time, relationship and change.
The process produces formations rather than forms.
We search for unexpected but correlative, emergent patterns.
Even though a process has the appearance of objectivity, we realize the fact that it stems from subjective intentions.
Logic
Logic is our tool.
Logic is our method for accentuating the ungraspable.
A clear and logical setting emphasizes that which does not seem to fit within it.
We use logic to design the conditions through which the process can take place.
Design conditions using intelligible rules.
Avoid arbitrary randomness.
Difference should have a reason.
Use rules as constraints.
Constraints sharpen the perspective on the process and stimulate play within the limitations.
Input
The input is our material.
Input engages logic and activates and influences the process.
Input should come from our external and complex environment: nature, society and its human interactions.
by Luna Maurer, Edo Paulus, Jonathan Puckey, Roel Wouters
1. Conditional Narrative Machine
adapted from Conditional Design
Setup
This drawing can be produced by not less than 2 participants.
All participants share one large sheet of paper.
Play
In each round participants have one minute to draw.
After each round, every player should take turns explaining their action.
Slowly, a story may develop.
In round (1) one, each participant should:
- add an industrial element
- add a natural element
- add a human element
- add a fantastical element
In round (2) two, each participant should make a drawing that:
- infects an existing element
- attacks an existing element
- defends an existing element
- improves an existing element
In round (3) three, each participant should:
- redesign a condition
- add detail to an existing element
- make a relationship
- simplify an existing element
- illustrate change
In round (4) four, each participant should:
- add time
- add a condition
- add a constraint to an element
- add or remove something at random
- produce a message
- produce a method
- add an existing datasource
- create a new data collection
End
After the first four rounds, vote to continue, repeating the rounds, or to start another drawing. If starting a new drawing, adjust the rules in some strategic way and repeat.
2. Kaleidescope
adapted from Conditional Design
Setup
- Each player has one color pen.
- The paper is divided into imaginary zones, in which each player operates. The number of zones corresponds to the number of players
- Each turn a player is either leader or follower.
- The players decide which person may be the leader first.
Play
- Clockwise in turns a player is the leader, for approx. 60 sec. The other person or people are the followers.
- The leader draws freely in their zone using only straight lines.
- The followers must mirror the drawing of the leader, synchronously while they are drawing.
End
Once everyone has taken two turns as the leader, the last players to follow can either decide to continue the drawing or to start a new drawing. If a new drawing, players must adjust the conditions and repeat.
3. Long Lines
adapted from Conditional Design
Rule
- This drawing can be done individually or with partners.
- Draw one line for [30 min] without your pen leaving the paper.
- You may stop for a maximum of 5 seconds without lifting the pen.
- Don't cross another line.
End
After 30 minutes, adjust the rules in some strategic way and repeat.