I mentioned in another thread that I was working on a generative art project. It’s something I am doing with my Dad. Given the creative people here I figure someone else might be interested.
I created some software called Axo which is a node based system for creating shapes and transforming them and outputting them in HP-GL for a plotter to plot. Here’s an example of an Axo program:
If you’d like to see what it’s like plotting it I made a video (Axo contains a virtual plotter):
If you have an HP-GL compatible plotter (we’re using an HP-7475A) or a cutter/mill using G-Code, or just want to play with making pretty patterns feel free to sign up at http://axo.mattmower.com/
Oh this looks like it could be fun to play around with! I’ll have to check if the plotters we have at uni are compatible. Is there a reason an account is needed though? I think I’d need a bit more info about how it all works before I sign up…
I use accounts to keep plots separate (otherwise anyone could mess with a plot you made) and to allow people to collaborate on a gallery of plots (principally for my Dad and I). Here’s a gallery of stuff we made so far:
It’s a hobby project. I’m not doing anything with the email you use to sign up other than use it for magic login links (personally I hate them, but it was expedient).
That plotter art is so satisfying to look at. Love it!
I used to run a 4-axis CNC with G-Code, but it was for 3D jewellery waxes (lots of rotary and z-climbing). However, I also ran various trophy engraving machines and was cleaning out some old stored stuff and ran across a Kurta tablet. I forgot those things were even a thing (even though I used it for years a long time ago.
To the uninitiated, you’d use a photocopier to enlarge an image (or draw it freehand) and slide the copy under the clear mat on the tablet. Then you’d use the “mouse” to click on the corners and perimeters of what you wanted to trace through the crosshairs. It was utter orange monochrome infused magic back then… and, I think, we were on the cusp of having floating cars and trying to get our parents to hook up again so we didn’t erase our own existence! But, alas, as our technology evolved, our pointing devices lost a button or two and flying time machines were replaced with doom scrolling and K-pop.
Anyway, you mentioned that SVG is the preview output and I think these plotted images would make for lovely background art in IF stories. I think it could inspire a new genre of Vectrex IF. Just need a few single-line, geometric fonts and some changeable plastic overlays. What else could anyone ask for?
Vectrex oh my goodness. I think my Dad still has his, although I don’t know if it’s in working order or not. Many happy memories of fighting for access.
Thanks btw. Starting to generate some pretty cool stuff and it looks amazing printed. And we haven’t even got the good pens or paper yet.
I’ll try and get a video of the plotter doing its thing. The virtual plotter is okay but the real thing is more fun.
