RE: A Turning Point : The Early Days of Computer Art (1960s)
You mention generative / parametric design. I am a digital artist and I often rely heavily on procedural functions to do things like generate waves and to distribute foliage. Things that would be very hard to do by hand. While I have various parameters that I can adjust the base function of the computer does influence what I see. So unlike a traditional media not all of the strokes on my virtual canvas are precognitively rationalized. I don't always know exactly what it will look like until it renders. While I do influence it heavily the computer definitely has it's own influence on my art.
In this image many things have been placed into this scene by procedural functions. While I had a general vision for set and setting I probably would not have had the organic success that I did without digital function.
Very interesting piece.
I remember this rendering of yours from a few months ago @iamwne (beautiful work)... you highlight some important points. While you're not using traditional materials, the attention and application of detail is just as unique. These digital landscapes you've rendered are a new stage in the evolution of craft. You start off with a blank canvas, just like a painter would.
I truly believe that In 50 years, artists will look back at renderings like yours in the same vein as we look back at the paintings of Mondrian or Monet.