I was inspired by the video presented by Casey Reas to think about the computer not only as a means to create art but also as a means to look outside my own creative habits. Randomness helps us create results we wouldn’t normally think of, even if we’re the ones stating the rules. Reas’ talk made me recognize that there’s something about that unpredictability that draws me in, and it makes me want to look more closely at every detail. In my future works, I want to incorporate randomness so that each time I press play in p5.js, my artwork will be slightly different. Instead of placing the object in a specific location on the screen, I could allow the computer to have a range, such as allowing a circle to be placed anywhere between the left and right sides of the screen. It’s a simple way to stay within my rules while still letting the outcome surprise me every time the code runs.
I believe that the best combination of total randomness and total control is to have a clear structure and still allow for unexpected events. Before viewing Reas’ presentation, I believed that art had to be carefully planned, and I did not understand how randomness could be meaningful or beautiful. But seeing how small and unpredictable changes could make a piece come alive changed my perspective. It interested me and engaged me. I enjoy knowing that I am in control but also that I can be surprised by the unexpected result. This is similar to the concept of the computer being an ‘obedient tool,’ as Michael Noll quoted that Reas has stated in 24:07 of the video. It follows my rules flawlessly but uses its power for ‘controlled randomness’ to create something entirely new that I could not have done myself.