Scott Draves

Pioneering AI Artist and Engineering Leader

Pioneering Generative Artist

Scott Draves, a trailblazing software artist is celebrated for Electric Sheep, a collective intelligence comprising 450,000 computers and contributors utilizing mathematics to generate infinite abstract animations. Fostering collective innovation, Draves’ contribution to Open Source with the “Flame” algorithm in 1993 was embraced by figures such as Paul Simon and Stephen Hawking. The captivating visuals integrate today’s immersive art experience, notably showcased at Burning Man and at 21C Hotel.

AI and Research Engineering Interfaces

Beyond artistic endeavors, Draves has played pivotal roles in start-ups and hedge funds, focusing on research engineering and open-source initiatives, such as during his tenure at Two Sigma. He then applied perceptual Artificial Intelligence to develop a neuromotor interface for augmented reality as Vice President of Engineering at Stability.AI and later at Meta Reality Labs after the acquisition of CTRL-labs.

  • Immersive grand opening at 21c Museum Hotel
  • Vida retrospective at Espacio Fundación Telefónica, Madrid

Draves’ ‘Fuse’ project (1991-93) was hugely inspirational.

– Golan Levin

If anyone can communicate that soul, he can… The magus of software art.

– Arthur I. Miller

Academic & Artistic Stride

A Brown University and Carnegie Mellon Computer Science PhD alumni, Scott Draves’ pioneering research in metaprogramming for interactive media has earned global recognition. His prize-winning artworks are featured in prestigious collections and renowned institutions worldwide, showcasing his influence on the intersection of art, technology, and Artificial Intelligence.

Innovative Milestones

Draves leads the ways with his “Bomb” project, one of the first interactive software artworks using open-source. Then his “Fuse” algorithm marked a milestone as an early “image2image” model, laying the foundation for texture synthesis and stable diffusion techniques. Scott’s artistic and professional AI journey intertwine to inspire and to influence it’s development. See more on his LinkedIn.

Interviews & Recognition

Scott’s contributions to the art and technology communities and his pivotal role in shaping the future of AI-driven creativity can be found in publications like Arthur I Miller’s “Colliding Worlds” , The Creators Project, Triangulation Blog, and Art in Odd Places. Wikipedia further underscores his recognition in these fields and his dedication to developing collective intelligence for computers and humans.

Electric Sheep designed by AI and collective intelligence.

infinite unreality… expands endlessly

– Washington Post

Scott Draves’ work in 1993 with his Fuse algorithm is pivotal in AI art history. Electric Sheep from 1999 also stands as a forerunner of today’s big-data, neural-network AI.

– Le Random

  • Paul Simon album cover made with Draves' code. 2011.
  • Stephen Hawking book cover made with Draves' code. 2010.
  • At Webster Hall on 50 flat screens.
  • NEW YORK 2009
  • Skrillex, Grimes, Diplo, Pretty lights with Electric Sheep, summer tour 2012.

Dreams in High Fidelity II at Lexus Hybrid Art – MOSCOW 2010