Christopher Carlson

Lead Developer, Graphics + Typesetting
Wolfram Research
Champaign, IL

My passion is exploring graphical and geometric phenomena by computer. I typically explore parametric design spaces, but my aim is not to achieve particular results, but rather to set up the conditions for the unexpected to occur. The art is in designing the design spaces themselves, combining and recombining parameters until emergent properties conspire to yield new and surprising forms.

Benz-Grignani Progeny
Benz-Grignani Progeny
29.5"x24"
Digital Print
2009

These forms are the result of an interactive exploration that started with straightforward parameterizations of the geometries of the Mercedes-Benz logo and a logo by Grignani. Combining "genetic material" from the separate parameterizations and incorporating the result of a significant programming mistake led to this unexpectedly rich family of organic forms.