Time Between the Lines is Thread Through the Mind is a meditative plotter-performance art project, where each experience is uniquely recorded using specific pen colors on either dark or light paper. As the fourth project in the Zenerative series of Zen-inspired generative art by Matto, it explores the value of time and the interplay between efficiency, order, and aesthetics.
Outputs:
The default live-code outputs are skeuomorphic, each drawn with 500,000 to 1,000,000 circles, while the default live-plot modes use a few thousand simplified lines. Using URL parameters, these live modes can be displayed digitally or plotted. Each token has one default output and includes a total of eight canonical versions:
- two pen and paper sets (pen suggestions are embedded in the SVG code)
- four optimization settings to change the line drawing order
Interactivity:
- 'S' saves an SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) file
- 'H' hides the signature (patience required in skeuomorphic mode)
URL Parameter Options:
- alternate = true / false (switches paper and pens from default)
- optimization = laps / standard / maximum / anti (changes line drawing order and visual output)
- skeuomorphic = true / false (toggles skeuomorphic circles / simple lines)
- signature = true / false (toggles the signature)
Plotter Notes:
- Please maintain the drawing order for canonical outputs - avoid reordering or optimizing the paths during plotting.
- On light paper, the signature stamp's legibility will vary with the ink colors used. Opaque inks of similar colors are acceptable alternatives.
- Physical outputs may differ from digital versions due to pen and paper variability. Plotters have the discretion to use different pens, paper, or multiple passes.
- For color hex values and corresponding pens, check the console when running the live code.
Rodeyo
