Artistic inspiration Research

Jared S. Tarbell's Computer Drawings

In his work Substrate, he describes the logic simply as ‘a line that goes straight until it hits another line or the edge of the screen, and then new lines form at right angles to existing lines’. Due to this simple and easy to understand semantic, he says that he is able to appreciate the result more, finding it fascinating that one simple logic can generate so much complexity.

Images:

His works are made from patterns and algorithms, often they are non-interactive and mostly generated 

Discussion 

• What’s the significance of the work? What impact does/doesn’t it have?

Jared Tarbell’s work highlights how simple algorithms can generate visually complex and organic patterns, merging art, math, and computation. His use of Processing has influenced generative artists and expanded the accessibility of algorithmic art. While his work is highly regarded in creative coding communities, it remains niche outside of digital and academic spaces. Its impact lies in demonstrating how code can be an expressive tool, inspiring new ways of thinking about digital art, emergence, and procedural design in both artistic and technological contexts.

• What are the connections with the concepts we are learning in CCLab?

Tarbell’s work aligns with CCLab’s exploration of code as a creative medium. His use of algorithmic thinking and  randomness connects to our studies in generative art. His approach demonstrates emergence—how simple rules create complexity, a core theme in creative coding. We also see parallels in data visualization, interactivity, and procedural design, where modifying code produces evolving outputs. His work encourages an experimental mindset, reinforcing how computational systems can generate unexpected yet structured visual results—key lessons in our generative design objectives.

• What can we learn from it?

We can learn that even if your code has simple rules, they can turn into complex and intricate designs from randomness. When we code we can also learn from his works to experiment for surprising or unexpected results. Also, code can not be only functionally used but also be used as a medium for making art. Finally, these computer systems are powerful tools that can create many different pieces of complex artwork in a short amount of time, something humans cannot replicate.

• What does the work inspire you to do next?

His works inspire us to explore more on the connection between art and code, especially through generative art. Inspiring us to experiment with code as a medium for art and changing our parameters to achieve unexpected outcomes. Also, through his art we are more inclined to use simple rules of code to create complex behaviors. Ultimately inspiring us to try out generative art for ourselves.

Conclusion

Jared S. Tarbell is a programmer and artist focusing on generative art, know for his algorithm art with complex visuals. Working with Java Applet and Flash ActionScript he uses simple rules to evolve into intricate patterns. Influencing the next generation of generative artists, he expanded the idea of coding for art. I believe hi works are inspiring for artists to think with simple logic, but achieve complex yet beautiful artwork. He's taught me not everything needs to be complex so in my future project I would try to think in more simpler ways, but at the same time achieve good looking results. Also, he has mentioned that if you try and explore you might end up with surprising outcomes, I will try out different things to see what becomes of it.