Simulated Ecologies (2023)

Concept

I wanted to create a system for real-time graphics inspired by ecology: can an artist draw digital ‘organisms’ out of thin air? Can they exert influence over these organisms, imparting life and embedding them into an environment? In a future where media art is increasingly real-time and generative, can digital artists experience embodied creativity through procedural content generation (PCG)?

I prototyped a set-dressing toolset that allows artists to draw and manipulate real-time assets using freehand input, inspired by digital art tools like Procreate and Blender’s GreasePencil. I connected Unreal Engine’s brand new scriptable tools interface to Houdini Engine to create an embodied ecosystem for real-time PCG generation. The system allow artists to create a game engine environment "by hand" without complicated UIs, overwhelming asset management, and other interrupters of flow.

While there isn't a physical component to this system (yet!), the affirmation of embodiment informed the system's intent: for the artist to become a part of an organic virtual ecosystem, fully immersed in their craft.

The videos below are real-time captures from Unreal Engine.

system demo reel (sound on)

overview of implemented features

all assets are generated from hand-built systems in Houdini (excluding the metahuman), and animated shaders are fully procedural : )

I am grateful to my teachers: Andrew Lowell, Adam Funari, Julia Silkina, Jeffy Mathew Philip and Kate Xagoraris. Addtitional thanks to the support of Per Kristensen, the Animation Workshop, and the Stamps Presidential enrichment fund.