Jason Ting is an artist and engineer based in New Haven, Connecticut. He creates abstract animated visuals and interactive works that explore the interaction of form, color, and motion. We discussed all things digital art in anticipation of his upcoming Art Blocks drop Bubble Blobby.

Jeff Davis: Hi Jason, it’s great to chat with you! How did you first get into digital art?

Jason Ting: I’ve loved computers and art since I was a kid. When I was a teenager, I discovered creative tools like Paint Shop Pro, 3ds Max, and Flash. I started making graphics and animations as a way of “doodling” in this new digital realm. I continued to pursue my art interest in college by doing a computing arts degree, where I used technology in new and unexpected ways to create visual artworks.

JD: That seems like a natural place to then begin exploring generative art. How did that come about?

JT: In late 2019 (after a long time in the software engineering world), I decided I wanted to return to a creative practice. Around then I found a Tumblr called “For Your Processing” that had a ton of amazing generative art posts made with Processing, which led me down a rabbit hole of learning all I could about generative art and creative coding through videos, tutorials, and books. I was also inspired by folks who create and share something every day. In early 2020, I started creating and posting “daily sketches” of my generative art on Instagram as a way to document and share my explorations.

JD: And then how did you end up discovering cypto art and NFTs?

JT: I had heard of crypto art some time ago but didn’t understand or pay attention to it until a few months ago. After a chat I had with Lindsay Howard from Foundation, the concept of NFTs started to make more sense, especially with how they can transform the digital art world.

“I’ve always been fascinated with phenomena found in the natural world.”

JD: How do you feel your creative practice has changed over time?

JT: Early in my journey, I was focused on learning the basics by exploring different creative coding algorithms. Over time, I discovered new tools and technologies—for example, a year ago I started learning GLSL shaders and a program called Touchdesigner, which have now become core tools in my creative workflow. They’ve also helped me discover new techniques and develop my visual style. Recently, I’ve started to explore bringing my digital work into the physical world through pen plotting, laser cutting, and interactive work using a Kinect.

JD: Any recent accomplishments you’d like to share?

JT: I recently finished a video projection installation in downtown New Haven, created in memory of Breonna Taylor and in grief over justice denied after the grand jury trial in 2020 failed to hold officers accountable for her death. This was the first time I’ve shown work in such a public space; it felt significant to share it in a way where people could engage with it in the real world. My hope is that it might be a site of remembrance for the New Haven community.

JD: Alright, let’s talk Art Blocks. I loved Light Beams so it was exciting to see Bubble Blobby as a curated drop. What was the inspiration for the project?

JT: I’ve always been fascinated with the phenomena found in the natural world, especially the aesthetics of fluid motion. I once saw a video of water droplets in zero gravity and remember being delighted by how playful the liquid blob looked as it floated around and morphed. I wanted to capture that playfulness in this project, as well as add personality through color and motion.

JD: What should collectors look for in your Art Blocks project as the series is revealed?

JT: Be sure to visit the live view for the full experience of the animated piece. Each one has a particular shape and movement style that yields a variety of ephemeral forms over time. Also look out for special chameleons that change in color!

JD: Anything else you’d like to share to help people better understand your art? And what’s the best way for people to follow your work?

JT: It’s my hope that the visuals I create offer a space for meditative reflection, bring delight and wonder, and even make a way for healing. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram where I post daily creations.