Running to Stand Still

This is a low-tech piece which considers the differences between humans and computers.

Consider for a moment that all computers know how to do at a fundamental level is deal with bits of information: ones and zeroes strung together in finite lists.

Consider for a moment that any "creativity" a computer possesses has been given it by a human programmer.

Let's further constrain our thinking to the process of drawing. Computers "draw" using pixels, or discrete bits of information. We create using continuous lines. We put pen or pencil to paper and the inspiration flows out of our minds and onto the page. Even constrained, we have infinitely more imagination than a computer.

Let's confine ourselves to rectangles and a simple set of rules

Equipment

• Felt-tipped pen
• 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper

• Please read all rules before beginning
• Use the provided felt-tipped pen to draw a rectangle on the paper
• If the paper is blank, you may draw a rectangle of any size anywhere you wish on one side of the paper
• If the paper is not blank, please follow the following guidelines
  • Your rectangle must be drawn on the same side of the paper as existing rectangles
  • Your rectangle must be drawn outside of any existing rectangle
  • Your rectangle must not intersect any existing rectangle
• After you have drawn a rectangle, ask someone else to draw the next rectangle
• The drawing is finished when it is no longer possible to satisfy the above conditions