This 2018 body of work is an investigation into subverting the traditional role of a plotter. The project’s goal was to transform a drawing machine into a painting machine, resulting in the series Plotter Paintings.
The process involves custom software developed by LIA to manipulate the machine’s Z-axis (vertical movement), combined with direct, real-time physical interventions. By using brushes instead of pens and manually applying ink and watercolor during the generative process, the works embrace the unpredictability of physical materials.
The Process: Human-Machine Collaboration
The process is defined by a direct collaboration with the machine. LIA manually loads a brush held by the plotter arm with varying amounts of Indian ink or watercolor, directly influencing the saturation and texture of the work as it is being created.
The Experiments
1. Z-Axis and Material Studies
The “Machine Zen” series uses the simple, generative form of a circle to study the effects of Z-axis manipulation. Even with identical code, the software-controlled vertical movement of the brush, combined with the natural viscosity of the ink, ensured that no two paintings were the same.
Selected works from the “Machine Zen” series.
2. Studies in Gold and Ink
Further experiments focused on the expressive potential of different materials, including the viscosity of Indian ink in the “Waves” series and the reflective quality of “Königsgold” pearlescent watercolor.
Selected works from the “Waves” and “Königsgold” series.
A Traditional Counterpoint: The “Arcs 21” Series
To provide a clear contrast to the plotter paintings, the investigation included a series of drawings based on the digital work “Arcs 21.” Created with a traditional pen, this series serves as a traditional counterpoint to the experimental paintings. These precise replications provide the context against which the material innovations of the paintings can be seen.
Project Details
Title: Mechanical Interventions
Year of Investigation: 2018
Medium: Generative Plotter Paintings and Drawings
Materials & Process
Software: Custom code written in Processing
Hardware: AxiDraw plotter
Process: Custom software controlling X, Y, and Z-axis movement; real-time human intervention.
Materials: Various brushes and pens. Indian ink and “Königsgold” pearlescent watercolor on paper.
