Gallery

Generative Design

All of these pieces are generated either entirely or partially by simulations of nature, like waves, plant growth, rock formation, or cloud patterns. These simulations can be used to create complex 3D shapes and textures. Many of these techniques have been used for decades for CGI in movies and games, sometimes we even see it in architecture. It’s almost never used for everyday things, and I hope we can change that.

Generative design also allows continuous variation. Just like every leaf and ripple is a unique shape, I try to study and then reflect natural systems to allow every design to be unique.

Traditional Design Work

I also do more “traditional” design work, with about a decade of experience as a product designer and engineer.

Visual Art

I’ve been taking photographs and making images consistently for about twenty years. I consider visual work a core part of who I am and a major influence on my design work, and so I’m delighted to share some of that in this space. If you really want to learn who I am, this is the best place to start.

Oceans

Oceans are an endless inspiration. I grew up next to the Puget Sound by Seattle and saw the water and beaches every day. Working in an optics lab I felt my appreciation grow for the simple interactions of light and shape. Coming back to the ocean felt like coming home to an indescribable beauty that's always been there.

The subtle shapes and textures of the waves at sunset as they roll back into the ocean.
A sharply contrasted ocean, with the reflection of the sun shining off the waves.
A person wistfully standing by a foggy ocean. The water is reflective over the sand as the wave is receding.
A bright and sunny ocean, with a few clouds in the sky. The image feels very sunny and light and golden-yellow.
Green and blue water rushing around a boulder, with foam and bubbles.
detailed textures of watery sand, and the interesting ripples and shapes that form in the sand. The image is black and white.
A classic feeling photo of the ocean shore at sunset, looking at the waves crash against the rocks.
The sunset reflected off of the intricate patterns of sea foam on the sand left by a receding wave.

Forests and Trees

I started taking photos when I was a kid, as my father is an exceptional photographer and cinematographer. I was raised feeling that cameras were instruments to expand our senses and express our love for the world.

Microscopy

My first experience with microscopy happened when I was about 14 and learned a camera trick — you can flip camera lenses around and carefully hold them backwards to create something like a portable microscope*. This took over my life. If everything worked just right, it opened a new window to see the world I’d gotten used to in a new and refreshing way. Later, my first paycheck went to buying a proper microscope. I think microscopy more than anything expanded my appreciation for the beauty in the details around me.

My favorite experiences are when I’ve dared to look at something innocuous — some dust or some table salt — and instead found a bottomless expanse of textures and shapes and colors. This has happened enough times that I know whenever I get bored, I can always look closely at the things around me and find more beauty than I could ever want or need. Wherever I think there is nothing, there is everything.

*Later I used a similar lens trick to make these projection microscopes!

Abstract and Algorithmic

Algorithmic images, like microscopy, felt like like taking pictures of new worlds. Over this period of about five years I peeked into pure mathematics and followed my basic human love of forms, patterns, and colors. Many of these pictures are composites, combining fractal image generation, microscopy, and photography.

If you’ve made it all this way, I’m so honored! I’ve been taking & making pictures for about twenty years, with an archive of more than 70,000 images. If you’d like to support my work, click on any of the above images to order a print, or feel free to buy me a coffee!