One of the reasons I got into programming was a Java-based language called Processing. Artists used it back in the day (and still do!) to create a variety of interesting art pieces that were generally bound in some sort of generative physics. I tried out the more recent iteration, P5, but found the rendering engine limited. This experiment was my first (well, third, technically) attempt to create a simulation of the growth of slime mold as a long-running ambient visualization. The mold itself is made up of agents which create trails that grow and fade based on activity, the fading creating really interesting 3d-esque structures that look much like the biological equivalent. Different, of course, but interesting enough that I iterated on this several times. Created in collaboration with Claude.
Much better on larger screens — while mobile technically works, the simulation does use a decent amount of computer horsepower and is better on desktop.
Click the piece, then press S to save a frame or R to reseed. Hover the piece for a fullscreen toggle (Esc to exit).