Everyday
2018 - 2024
In 2018 I began a consistent "code sketching" practice, working almost daily. Code sketching is the process of working in code to make visual or multimedia artworks with an emphasis on rapid prototyping (Note: this is my own informal definition). Code sketching is the computational equivalent to analog sketching with pen on the notebook page. The Processing development environment even calls itself a flexible software sketchbook and it uses the term sketches to indicate a Processing project. The directory holding all of these sketches is called the sketchbook.
When I began code sketching I was inspired by other artists working in code who create daily code sketches, most prominently Zach Lieberman. In addition to Zach I’ve since also learned about the work of folks like Saskia Freeke, Reza Ali and Simon Alexander-Adams, among many others that share their work on Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon and the like.
There have been periods of time where I code everyday. Sometimes I am doing the equivalent of doodling and abstract studies. Other times I create quick artworks. Sometimes these pieces develop into fullblown artworks, museum commissions, finished video games. Other times I am working out mechanics, prototyping websites, or figuring out a teaching assignment I am working on. At this point I have slowed down, though I still occasionally fire it up to work on a project. I have created a few hundred "everydays" and it's been such a help to my creative art and code practice.